A SOLDIER back from the front line in Afghanistan for Christmas has paid tribute to all the Bootle lads fighting the Taliban in Helmand.
John Farrell, who joined the TA's 59 Signal Squadron in 2009, will spend Christmas with his family in Bootle before resuming his tour of duty in Afghanistan in the new year.
The dad of two arrived home from Helmand on Saturday night, and will enjoy Christmas with his wife and two daughters.
John, 43, said: “There is a good group of 13 Bootle lads out in Afghanistan at the moment with the TA, and they are all a credit to the professionalism and training of the town's TA barracks.
“I am back home for Christmas, and I will resume my tour in the new year.
“I have spent the last few months around Helmand.”
John, who survived his Afghan tour unscathed, joined the 59 Signal Squadron in 2009 with his daughter Francesca.
Although Francesca has now joined the regular army, John had to endure months of intense warfare and battlefield training which prepared him for the front line in Afghanistan.
John is a former professional lightweight boxer and famously fought Michael Gomez in the 1990s.
After his professional career ended John taught the next generation of Bootle lads to box at Marsh Lane gym, which is now being run by a pal.
He added : “Marsh Lane gym is in good hands while I am away.”
Article
