OUR story about a soldier who survived a massive bomb blast in Afghanistan made waves in Singapore, where the armoured Warthog vehicle credited with saving his life, is manufactured.

Two national newspapers in the South-east Asian country prominently featured the WHT’s coverage of the injuries sustained by Lance Corporal William Reeks, who grew up in Hatfield and WGC.

LCpl Reeks is currently recovering in hospital after suffering internal and blast injuries when the fridge-sized booby trap exploded.

But, as we reported last month, the 27-year-old’s injuries could have been much worse, if it wasn’t for the fortified Warthog.

English-language daily The New Paper, which is the second most-read English newspaper in Singapore, mentioned the WHT in its report on January 22.

And the story was also covered, in Mandarin, the day before, by another paper called LHZB.

As well as the Singaporean media, the company that builds the Warthog – ST Kinetics – contacted us to send a get well soon message to LCpl Reeks.

The company’s vice president of European marketing, Phillip Ou, said: “We are very gratified that LCpl Reeks is well and safe.”

LCpl Reeks’ mum, Anita Lee, said: “It’s really good of them [ST Kinetics] to send their best wishes, it’s fantastic.”

On her son’s recovery, she said: “He’s still in hospital in Birmingham. Unfortunately he’s got to have another bit of surgery because he’s got an infection in his bad leg.

“He’s not ready to come out and go to Headley Court – the rehabilitation place – yet.

“But the hospital is definitely going to let him out for the do in his honour.”

The event will be held tonight (Friday), in the Assembly Hall, at the Harrier pub, Bishops Rise, Hatfield.

It runs from 8pm to 12.30am and entry costs �5, which will go towards charity Scotty’s Little Soldiers.