A BLIND Afghan interpreter who worked for the Army is planning a 10k run to raise thousands of pounds to help aid workers still trapped in the troubled country.

Wali Noori, who now lives in Colchester, was a translator and cultural advisor on the front line for the British Armed Forces.

In 2009, he was caught in a Taliban ambush and a bomb explosion which left him blind.

After spending months in hospital he was resettled in the UK and is now determined to help his countrymen still in Afghanistan.

The 33-year-old said: “I regard myself as one of the lucky ones, but many people are still stuck in Afghanistan and need help.

“It is estimated as many as 18 million could be starving since the Taliban took over.

“I want to continue my service to the people of Afghanistan, so I am running to raise funds and encourage people here and across the world to give support to those who are starving and are in urgent need of food.”

Wali, who has three young children, worked alongside frontline troops including 2 and 3 Para, based in Colchester, where he has settled with his family.

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Today he starts the first of two long-distance runs - with a sighted-runner alongside - and hopes to raise more than £2,000 for other victims of the conflict.

All proceeds will be sent directly to aid workers in Afghanistan where it will be distributed to some of the many families who urgently need support to buy food and medical supplies.

Retired major Valentine West, from West Mersea, a charity case worker, has been involved in Wali’s case from the start.

He said: “Wali did not have the same level of protective equipment and was caught in a fire-fight in which his goggles were shattered causing him serious eye injuries.

“He was described as being reliable and dynamic under fire and he actually spent more time on the frontline that most British soldiers who were on short tours.

“He worked for the Army for more than two years.

“Now he wants to help others. He is an inspiring man and wants to inspire others whose lives have been similarly affected by the conflict in Afghanistan.”

Sponsor Wali at bit.ly/3D1vixI.