A former soldier from Tipton who was seriously wounded on duty in Iraq has been selected as a torchbearer for the London 2012 Olympics.

Karl Hinett, 24, suffered 37 per cent burns when the tank he was in during a rescue operation in Basra was petrol bombed. He spent the next five years at the Queen Elizabeth hospital’s burns unit undergoing major surgery.

To thank the staff who cared for him and raise funds for the hospital’s official charity, Karl is running 52 marathons around the world this year. His commitment has been rewarded after he was announced as being one of the lucky few to carry the Olympic torch.

Karl said: “I’m thrilled to have been offered this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It’s a brilliant chance to get the name of the hospital and the hospital’s official charity out there and thank them for their support. I’m really proud and humbled by the fact I’ll be a part of the Olympic Games in this special way.”

Karl was nominated to be a torchbearer by charity staff and Mike Hammond, chief executive of the charity, added: “It was fantastic to hear that Karl will be joining the other community heroes carrying the famous flame. Karl’s dedication to raising funds to help patients at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital is remarkable and this honour is thoroughly deserved. Well done Karl!”

To make a donation to the QEHB Charity or find out more about its work please call 0121 371 4852 or visit the QEHB Charity website.