Anonymous donor helps boost Dan's fund (From Swindon Advertiser)

Anonymous donor helps boost Dan's fund

9:20pm Sunday 21st June 2009

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A FUND set up for a Swindon soldier who lost his arm has received a generous boost from an anonymous donor.

Wounded Lance Bombardier Dan Richards from Baileys Corner, Cheney Manor, says he now hopes to meet the donor to thank her for the £500 gift in person.

The 23-year-old of the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery, lost his arm from the shoulder down after losing control of his Triumph Daytona 650 motorcycle along London’s North Circular Road on May 31.

His courageous attitude has touched the hearts of Swindon residents who have paid £1,300 into The Daniel Richards Fund, set up to support his life as an amputee.

“I can’t express just how touched I am by the generosity I have witnessed, especially one anonymous donor who kindly gave £500,” said Dan.

“I want to say ‘thank you’ to that person for the difference they’re making. Thank you so, so much.

“I never knew just how much kindness there is in the world and now that I do I’m honoured to be the recipient of so much of it.”

Dan has a long way to go on the road to recovery and it is hoped the money will contribute to the many aids and gadgets he will need to help him lead as normal life as possible.

But more than anything, Dan hopes that money from the fund can pay for a prosthetic arm.

“I can’t wait to get a prosthetic arm,” said Dan. “It’s what I want more than anything. I suppose I’ll just feel better with it although I don’t know what capabilities I will have with one.”

For Dan, the biggest shock of losing his arm has been the feeling that it is still there.

“I’d heard of phantom limb pain but I didn’t really understand it. But not only can I feel my arm as if it’s still there, I can feel my hands and my fingertips. It’s the most bizarre feeling but I’m told it will go away in time.”

After a couple of days of uncertainty it has now been confirmed that Dan will travel back to Swindon on Tuesday where he will recuperate at Great Western Hospital before beginning rehabilitation with the Army's Defence Medical Rehabilitation facility at Headley Court in Surrey.

To donate to the Daniel Richards Appeal log onto www.facebook.com and search for the Get Well Dan page.

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