A FORMER soldier who was twice blown up in Afghanistan has now written a book to raise awareness of mental health issues within the armed forces.

Anthony Lock signed up to the Royal Welsh regiment shortly after leaving school and has seen active service in Kosovo, Iraq and other war zones.

South Wales Argus:

Anthony Lock in active service

But it was during his time in Afghanistan a decade ago where he suffered devastating physical and mental injuries which changed his life forever.

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"I was blown up twice within six weeks," said the 37-year-old, who lives in Newport.

"The first time I was blown up I was driving my warrior vehicle and hit a hidden improvised explosive device (IED). I ended up breaking my neck.

"Weeks later I was again in a warrior, where we thought IEDs had been placed in graves. An IED then exploded."

He added: "I almost died and I do not know how I am still alive."

The former corporal was diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following the ordeals.

And two weeks ago he published his hard-hitting autobiography - Broken by war - in a bid to raise awareness around mental health issues facing soldiers in the armed forces.

He said: "I left the army in 2011 and last year people said that I should write a book.

"I still have PTSD and so do many of my colleagues.

"I want people to know more about PTSD and other mental health issues among soldiers. We need more support during and after service.

"I openly talk of my experiences in the book so people can learn more about PTSD and mental health. We need to be talking about it more openly."

He added: "I do not want fame I just want the book to help make a difference."

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The Ministry of Defence was contacted for comment.

The book has already sold more than 400 copies in just two weeks.

It is available to buy for £7.97 on Amazon and will be available to read at Newport Library next week.