A former soldier from Tidworth is sponsoring a rape victim from Sierra Leone who dreams of becoming a doctor after learning of her plight on a trip to the country.

The 28 year-old woman, from Freetown, who has had a horrific life after being brutally sexually assaulted at the age of five, will now receive financial support from Tidworth trainer, AJ Roberts.

He said he was motivated to help after hearing her story at a medical event organised by the Melqosh Mission in Freetown supplying malaria kits and mobility aids to rape victims and amputees.

Speaking to the Advertiser, AJ said: “Education is power in Sierra Leone and to listen to her story and hear how much she wants to help people despite the experiences she has lived through is truly inspirational.

“It’s a great privilege to be a part of her life, she is very determined and will be a great asset to the country.”

The 37 year-old flew out to the country on January 4 for eight days after months of fundraising £2,500 in the lead up to Christmas.

After the civil war ended in 2001, he said he discovered many of the rebels were reintroduced back into society despite their “barbaric atrocities” leaving many victims feeling ignored and forgotten,.

During the trip, he organised a football match for the amputees - a loved past time in Sierra Leone.

Along with the medical kits, AJ also took a collection of shirts and boots which were adored by the children.

AJ said the scene was inspiring: “It was unbelievable watching all these single-leg people move around the pitch so quickly with huge smiles on their faces.”

Since he returned from the village last week, AJ said he hopes to return again soon. He said: “The goal is to go back and visit twice a year to provide medial supplies and raise the last of the funds needed to complete the village school.”

He added: “It really was a life changing experience, I came back a different man and it has become the heart of my career.

“Despite living in such extreme poverty, people are very happy and very determined to make something of themselves which is so treasured in their country.

“We could learn a lot from these amazing children.

“People don’t understand how easy they have it until it’s taken away from them.”

If you would like to donate to the charity, get in touch with AJ via info@ajrobertscoaching.com