10:51am Wednesday 28th December 2005
A BLIND former soldier has been given a prestigious award for his speed-skiing achievements.
Kevin Alderton, who used to be a member of the Grenadier Guards, won the BBC south east Disabled Sports Personality of the Year award for 2005 after competing with the British Adaptive Ski Team in the Association of Skiing for the Disabled's European Cup.
The 34-year-old father of two, who was registered blind in 2000, is also hoping to set a brand new speed-skiing world record in April.
Mr Alderton, of Heather Drive, Dartford, who has skied since he was eight, will take to the slopes to attempt to ski at 130mph on the Flying Kilometre course at Les Arcs, France.
The brave sportsman lost his sight after he was attacked by a gang when he went to the rescue of a woman being assaulted.
One of the gang members jumped onto Mr Alderton's shoulders and pushed his fingers into his eyes.
Speaking of the award, Mr Alderton said: "It's fantastic to get the award and I hope to follow it up by making this world record. Skiing is a sport which knows no bounds and I can't wait to hit the slopes."
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