THE wife of a Norton Fitzwarren soldier seriously hurt in Afghanistan will embark on a fundraising horse ride in aid of a charity that supports servicemen and women injured in conflict.

Sadie van Niekerk will tackle the 15-mile long Derwent Valley Walk in Co Durham on her horse Niptischo in aid of the Rifles Regimental Trust's Care for Casualties appeal.

She was given the inspiration by her husband L-Cpl Stephan van Niekerk, whose legs were blown off when stepping on a bomb in the Sangin area of the war-torn country while serving for the 3rd Battalion the Rifles in October 2009.

The walk will take place on October 23, almost two years to the day since the incident, and Sadie is looking to raise £2,000 for the charity.

She said: “My husband has given me the inspiration for doing this.

“Care of Casualties provides support for each soldier and by donating towards the charity helps rebuild lives and create futures.

“I am very grateful for the help from Care for Casualties because without them things wouldn't be what they are today.”

Sadie hopes to walk the route with 20 other riders and has thanked Pauline Dodds from Oakwood Stables in Co Durham for helping to organise the walk and Kevin Hall for his continued support.

IF you would like to sponsor Sadie ahead of her fundraising walk, visit her Just Giving page by clicking the related link below.