AN RAF reservist from Bourne End who set up life-saving clinics and medical training for 17,000 innocent Afghan’s living in a war zone, has been called an ‘inspiration’ at a national awards ceremony.

After 35 years of conflict and devastation, Afghanistan has some of the most disastrous health statistics in the world, with one in five children dying before the age of five.

Squadron Leader Colin Mathieson, 45, spent seven months in Lashkar Gah in Helmand’s Province, Afghanistan’s most war riddled district.

He worked with Afghan doctors, nurses, religious leaders, residents and the country’s government to develop a health plan for the innocent Afghan population caught up in conflict.

He said: “What we tried to do is go to the Afghans and speak with as many people as possible and find out, what do you really want?

“Because we come from the western world, we think a Doctor’s Clinic must be brand new brick and plaster but that’s not the case in Afghanistan, their health stats are the worst in the world. If they can have a well equipped mud hut with some qualified staff, that’s fine, that’s major progress.”

The father-of-four, who previously served during both Gulf Wars, initiated the basic health training of 17,000 Afghan’s.

He said: “There are chronic shortages of doctors, nurses, midwives, adequate drug supply and equipment across the whole of Afghanistan, however, if you can offer a way that they don’t get ill in the first place, it’s a good starting point.

“What we learn at school, mid 40’s Afghan’s don’t know, basic stuff from washing hands, brushing teeth, brushing hair, how to deal with small wounds and what to do when your child gets ill, that sort or basic information is vitally important.

“Because we put that training in place, I’m absolutely convinced we saved lives. Have we made a difference to the one in five kids dying before the age of five? Possibly, because mum’s and dad’s now know what to do in certain situations.”

Sqn Ldr Mathieson, who in his civilian life works as the group accounts director at Exchange and Mart in Loudwater, came runner-up for Best Reservist 2011, at The Sun’s coveted Military Awards.

On December 19, he had lunch with the Prime Minister and then attended the prestigious awards ceremony at the Imperial War Museum in London, where he met Prince Harry and David Beckham.

At the awards ceremony, Sqn Ldr Mathieson was praised as an ‘inspiration’ and that he ‘helped save hundreds of local lives’.

He said: “I felt like we had done a pretty good job but to be runner-up at such a big event and to be recognised for the work we did, was a huge honour.”