AN heroic Royal Marine who suffered horrific injuries in an Afghan bomb blast has spoken of his delight at being back home.

Aaron Moon spent four months recovering and undergoing physiotherapy at a special centre for military personnel.

Now he is catching up with friends and family back in Westhoughton.

He still has a long way to go on the road to recovery — but is determined to regain his full health and return to the front line. The 21-year-old said: “I am up on my feet now but I still have a long way to go. I will have to go back for rehab and I’ll need more operations on my knees and leg.

“I’ve also lost a bit of hearing in my right ear and sight in my right eye. But I am getting there slowly.

“I am glad to be home. It is nice to be back in Westhoughton — although I could do with better weather!”

Aaron was injured while driving an armoured vehicle on a supply run to an outer base near Lashkagar. As he drove through a ditch, an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated. Fellow Marines tended to him until a Chinook heli-copter arrived. He had been in Afghanistan for just one week.

Aaron was treated at a field hospital at Camp Bastion before being flown to Selly Oak Hospital in Birmingham, where injured military personnel are treated.

He suffered a fractured shoulder, vertebra, pelvis, hip, heel and legs in the blast on February 17. He also suffered a ruptured spleen, damaged both his knee caps and had cuts and bruises all over his body: “I remember what happened, most of it,” Aaron said. “But it is my job, isn’t it.”

Despite the horrific attack, and his long road to recovery, the brave Marine wants to return to the front line.

He said: “I am definitely going back if I can. I just love my job. It will be a long time, though.”

Aaron is continuing to undergo rehabilitation and physiotherapy, and will return to a centre in Surrey later this month.

He recently attended a fundraiser at the Red Lion and Howfener pubs in Westhoughton, organised by local man Wayne Brook. The festivities included a guest appearance by Coronation Street star Andy Whyment, entertainment by local bands, a visit from the fire service and a bouncy castle.

The day raised £200. Mr Brook split the proceeds between Aaron and the Bolton Royal Artillery Association.

Mr Brook said: “We held the day in honour of Aaron and we were delighted he came along.”

Aaron added: “I was happy to go down. I am very grateful for the donation and hope to use it for something which will help in my recovery.”

Anyone wanting to show their support for Aaron and other injured Marines can donate to the Royal Marine Benevolent Fund at justgiving.com/rmbf lucy.ewing@thebolton news.co.uk