A RIFLEMAN blinded as he tried to rescue two of his colleagues while under fire will take on a marathon canoe race this Easter.

Paul Jacobs, who served with the 2nd Battalion of The Rifles, is to participate in the 125-mile Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Marathon on April 1.

The 29-year-old, who is currently lodging in Bournemouth, lost his sight while serving in Afghanistan in August 2009. He was awarded the George Medal for his courage.

Paul then decided to commit himself to taking on challenges to raise money for injured servicemen and women, and has since climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, cycled 500 miles and completed skydives.

He has also become a published poet and a successful businessman.

"My drive is to be the best," he said.

"Whatever I'm doing, I want to be the absolute best at it.

"It's all about the legacy you leave behind. I want to inspire people, especially young blind people.

"There isn't anything you can't achieve."

Paul, who was in foster care as a child, said he "grew up fighting" in Brixton before joining the Army. While serving, he asked to take on a role finding improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

It was while serving in Helmand Province that Paul was injured as a bomb exploded.

Shrapnel hit his right eye and lodged in his brain. He also suffered severe injuries to his arm and leg.

Paul was flown back to Selly Oak Hospital in Birmingham, where he spent three weeks in a coma.

He said: "I'm what's known as 'black blind', which means I've got no sight at all.

"When I'm out training for the race, I'm having to concentrate with everything because I'm listening for the paddle dips.

"If I move my head to the left or right I lose my sense of balance.

"It uses up so much energy."

When Paul finishes the race, he'll be the first person blinded in a war to complete the challenge, qualifying him for a Guinness World Record.

His rowing partner is Dorset Police Superintendent Mike Rogers. The two have been training together for six months.

"I completely trust him to be my eyes," Paul said.