Friends show support for freelance photographer Giles Duley injured in Afghanistan

Photograph by David Bowering:

Giles Duley has shown me the strength and depth the human spirit is capable of. I hope for a speedy recovery so that we may see more of your excellent work. Hats off to you sir.

News that Frontline Club member Giles Duley was injured in a bomb blast while embedded with the US army in southern Afghanistan was reported by the New York Times on 11 February.

The freelance photographer, whose work focused on humanitarian issues, was injured on 7 February while working with soldiers from the First Squadron, 75th Cavalry Regiment in Kandahar Province. He is now undergoing treatment in the critical care unit at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham.

Vaughan Smith, founder and managing director of the Frontlne Club, said:

The terrible injuries sustained by Giles Duley in Afghanistan last week reminds us again of both the courage and the irreplaceable contribution that freelances make to journalism today.

David Duley told the NYT that his brother, who last year won honours in the Prix de la Photographie Paris competition, had already said he wanted to continue his work:

Giles is a triple amputee, but he is still a photographer. He still intends to do what he does. This is not going to stop him.

Friends of Giles, who has worked for a number of charities including Medecins sans Frontieres and with the Camera Press picture agency, have paid tribute to his strength of character.

Sue Stoten is quoted by the BBC as saying:

We are completely devastated but I know he is full of strength and character and self-esteem and he will come back.