<p><br /> A soldier who lost both legs in a bomb blast in Afghanistan as well as suffering horrific facial injuries has spoken of his joy at being able to walk to receive a gallantry award from the Queen.<br /> </p><p><br /> Corporal Ricky Furgusson, of 4th Battalion The Rifles, said he felt honoured to be awarded the Military Cross for going to the aid of wounded comrades on four separate occasions.<br /> </p><p><br /> Speaking after the Buckingham Palace investiture ceremony, he said: "It's been a shock coming here, to be honest. The Queen was polite. She said she'd heard I was a brave soldier and was pleased with what I've done and what I'm doing now."<br /> </p><p><br /> The 25-year-old soldier, from Telford in Shropshire, was joined by his father, Paul, 50, mother, Tracy, 47, and sister, Melissa, 28.<br /> </p><p><br /> As well as losing both his legs, he lost an eye and fingers on both hands in the bomb blast in January.<br /> </p><p><br /> He was caught in the explosion as he was leaving a compound, treading on a hidden explosive device which others ahead of him had stepped over.<br /> </p><p><br /> He spent five weeks in intensive care and has had 17 operations including skin grafts from his forearm to recreate his lips and skin taken from his stomach to make a left cheek.<br /> </p><p><br /> Cpl Furgusson took his first steps about four months after suffering the devastating injuries but remains optimistic and cheerful about his condition.<br /> </p><p><br /> He added jokingly: "I used to think I was good-looking. People look at me in funny ways now but I don't care - I just get on with things."<br /> </p>
