WOUNDED soldier Matt Light has undergone further surgery after being injured in Afghanistan.
The 19-year-old private – son of Kirklees Conservative leader Clr Robert Light – was hurt by an Improvised Explosive Device in Helmand Province.
His friend Pte John King, also 19, was killed in the explosion on December 30.
Pte Light, pictured, of Birkenshaw, was rushed to Camp Bastion where he underwent emergency surgery for his leg wounds.
Last night Clr Light told the Examiner his son had been under general anaesthetic again yesterday.
“They have cleaned out all his wounds and looked at his injuries but there’s no real change,” he said.
Clr Light and his wife Sharon spoke to their son on the phone for 15 minutes yesterday lunchtime.
“We’ve spoken to him every day since the incident. He appreciates being able to speak to his mum and dad after what he’s been through,” said Clr Light. “He was a bit groggy because he had been under general anaesthetic but he’s OK, he’s bearing up.
“He hopes to see some of his company on Tuesday.”
Pte Light will be flown to the UK for further treatment at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham.
Clr Light said: “He’s keen to get back to the UK as soon as he can.
“We’re still expecting him to be back later this week for assessment, then we’ll know what he needs. We will find out if he needs skin grafts.”
