AN Exeter Royal Marine and Military Cross hero who received devastating injuries in a bomb blast in Afghanistan, has spoken about how a fundraising football match also served as a poignant commemoration of his, and his comrades, survival.
For several years the annual fundraising initiative at Exminster Football Club has been organised by Chief Petty Officer Steve Godbeer from the village, and has raised thousands of pounds for forces' charities and local causes.
This year, the game on Sunday, August 24, which included a raffle and auction generously supported by local businesses, raised an incredible £10,000 for the Royal British Legion, Dream-A-Way and the Exminster Family Fund.
The event took on extra significance for five South West servicemen and their comrades who were injured in a bomb blast in Helmand Province, and nicknamed it their 'Bangiversary' because it coincided with the anniversary of the blast on August 25, 2011.
For Corporal Paul Vice MC, from Exeter, the most gravely injured of the group, the football game was his last before his leg is amputated this autumn.
The 31-year-old was supported by his colleagues Ben Williams, 27, from Exmouth, Phil Spencer, 26, and Gavin Bolger, 33, from Plymouth, and Luke Darlington, 25, from Hereford, who between them suffered broken bones, brain injury and shrapnel wounds in the explosion.
The father-of-four, who was awarded the Military Cross for his bravery during two previous incidents, received more than 114 wounds to his torso with more than 400 pieces of shrapnel and stones removed from his body by surgeons.
In addition the brave corporal suffered a broken neck, a damaged left eye, was deafened in one ear and suffered a stroke, a brain injury, paralysis down his right side, nerve damage down his left and was thought to have been clinically dead twice in his evacuating helicopter.
The marines had been on patrol in Nad-e Ali north, a remote part of Helmand Province which has been described as the most dangerous square mile in the world for its abundance of IEDs.
Cpl Vice said the friends had seen an oil drum in front of them, which exploded moments later before they had chance to flee.
The five have received ongoing help from the Corps with Hasler Company – the Royal Marines rehabilitation unit in Plymouth – which they are part of and which has given them crucial physical and mental support.
The group has tried to meet up each year and Cpl Vice explained that coming together is part of their healing process.
Cpl Vice, who spent most of his rehabilitation at Headley Court, a tri-service rehabilitation centre in Surrey, describes Hasler Company as being an "enabler" in the way it helps injured marines achieve what they never thought could be possible after their injuries.
Cpl Vice, who is taking part in the cycling and archery events at the Invictus Games this September, said: "On a personal level, I have been helped so much by various forces charities, that fundraising events like this are a chance to give something back, and Steve has given me the opportunity to be part of that.
"We don't see each other much so it's great to get back together and reminisce – everyone's moved on since the day we were injured, but I was in command that day so still feel a huge sense of responsibility towards them.
"When we see each other, we talk about it and have a laugh about it, there's no point in crying over spilt milk.
"You realise during your time with Hasler Company that you may not be as mobile as you were, but you can still lead an active life.
"I've been prepared mentally for the amputation for a long time now."
He added: "I've battled back from the brink mostly for my family.
"I refuse to let the Taliban think they have hurt them as well as me. Together we will win through this."
Cpl Vice's story is due to be told as part of a documentary for Forces TV, directed by film maker Chris Terrill, to be broadcast later this year.
