Senior Aircraftman Jon Butterworth lost part of his left arm in an attack at Basra Airfield in Iraq last year.

He returned to work at RAF Cottesmore for the first time this week and is preparing to attempt the 342 mile journey later this month.

SAC Butterworth was driving to work at Basra Airfield at 6.30am on August 4, 2007 when a warning siren sounded. He lay on the ground away from the vehicle when four rockets were fired. The impact of the blast lifted his body off the ground but he was unaware of his injuries.

He said: “I thought, ‘That was really close’ and when I went to dust myself down I realised – I saw the artery was exposed.”

The blast had taken away a chunk of his left arm. Army personnel nearby rushed to apply a torniquet and their swift actions saved his life.

SAC Butterworth, 22, said he felt no pain, remained conscious and remembers being taken to a field hospital where surgeons fought to save his arm and his life.

He also remembers phoning his wife Chantel, 21, who was back home with their daughter Rae-Alexis, who is now two-and-a-half. She told him: “I’m just glad you are alive and to hear your voice.”

Five days later Jon was flown to Brize Norton and taken to the military wing of Selly Oak Hospital in Birmingham. He was later transferred to Headley Court defence rehabilitation centre in Surrey where he has learnt to use a prosthetic arm.

A keen sportsman, SAC Butterworth used to enjoy football, rugby and boxing. He has been snowboarding since his injury, has bought a specially adapted motorbike and is considering sky diving.

He said: “It’s all down to fate. I was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

“I can’t do some of the things I used to enjoy but I now do different things.”

He will join the Big Battlefield Bike Ride on May 26 to raise money for Help For Heroes, cycling from Caen in France and finishing on June 1 at the Cenotaph in London.

His left arm now has metal prongs where a hand used to be and he cannot do much with it. His old job as an armourer required heavy lifting and delicate work. He now has a desk job.

SAC Butterworth joined the RAF at the age of 16. He moved to RAF Cottesmore in April 2005 with Chantel after they married.

He said: “A desk job is not what I signed up to do. I would like to stay on, but I don’t know if I will. The military is a way of life.”

Anyone who would like to support Jon on his Help For Heroes bike ride can pledge money online at www.justgiving.com/jonallanbutterworth1.

Alternatively, cheques made out to Help For Heroes can be sent to Jon Butterworth, RAF Cottesmore, Cottesmore, Rutland, LE15 7BL.