Ex-footballer turned soldier survives roadside bomb attack in Helmand

Lieutenant Stephen Healey, from 1st Battalion The Royal Welsh, who played professional football for Swansea City for several years before injury cut his career short, was commanding a convoy from the turret of the lead vehicle in Helmand, Afghanistan, when it hit the IED.

Lt Healey said:

"We were driving along and then suddenly I felt a massive explosion and got thrown up into the air by the blast.

"I fell back into the turret and then all the debris and dirt from the explosion rained down on my head.

"My first thought was for the blokes in the vehicle and I felt sick thinking what I would find below me. There were eight of my soldiers and an interpreter down there."

But he was relieved and delighted to discover that not one person had been injured in the blast:

"I dropped down into the cab and amazingly everyone was okay," he continued. "Obviously they were all shaken and shocked but no-one was actually injured.

"The force of the blast was incredible. The pressure wave actually snapped a couple of the machine guns in half. We had taken a direct hit under the belly of the Mastiff. The wagon was completely undrivable but it had done its job and saved us, it was damaged but we weren't."

After the blast Lt Healey's team went through their drills to protect each other from any secondary attack and so they could get the damaged vehicle back out to safety. He said:

"I know it is a cliché and everyone says it, but in situations like this you really feel the training kick in. The soldiers' reaction and courage does allow you to step back and make the right decisions and everyone slots in and does their job naturally."

After they had secured the situation the usual Army banter started:

"The device was completely hidden, but once we realised we were all okay the lads started giving me grief for not spotting anything," he added. "It is all part of Army humour and the way people deal with things like this."

Lt Healey joined the Army in 2007 having already had a career as a professional footballer. He served a two-year apprenticeship with Swansea City playing centre back and then signed a two-year contract. Unfortunately his promising career was cut short with a succession of injuries and he decided to call it a day and go to university. He said:

"I was absolutely gutted at the time, as all I had ever done was play football, but I just had to pick myself up and look forward. I didn't have any A-levels but applied to do a degree based on my experience. Luckily Swansea University accepted me to do a sports science degree. I really enjoyed my degree and being a bit older did help.

"After that I chose the Army for the challenge really. I wanted to be in the infantry and being from Wales the Royal Welsh was the obvious choice for me.

"Being a professional footballer wasn't all glamour, although it did have its moments and there were some great parties. I do miss it occasionally and the hours were a lot shorter. Obviously working really long hours and living in harsh conditions out here is a very different life, but I really do love the Army life. Being a Platoon Commander operating on the front line is the best job."

Lt Healey recovered from his football injuries and he still plays football, even turning out for the full Army side occasionally. However his main focus is his commitment to looking after his platoon in the Army, which went out to Afghanistan in the middle of December as part of the extra surge of 500 British troops.

As a Platoon Commander Lt Healey has the responsibility of leading 30 men. Although his Platoon Sergeant is a huge help, especially with the administration side, when things go wrong, responsibility rests with Lt Healey and they all look to him for leadership:

"The responsibility is huge but it is also very satisfying and I am proud of them doing what they do out here."

The 1st Battalion The Royal Welsh are currently operating on the front line in the Nad e-Ali area of Helmand province, Afghanistan.