GULF war hero Lee Foster is expected back home. The 19-years-old paratrooper struck down by a mystery virus just before Easter was this week back at his Dover base after recuperating in Cyprus.

He was yesterday being assessed by medics and should now be back in the arms of his Tyldesley family.

Mum Sharon said Lee, who collapsed with suspected meningitis and woke on a ventilator, was feeling better.

She said: "We spoke to him on Monday evening and he said he was tired and felt drained. We can't wait to see him again.

"Medics are reviewing his health and he is coming home on sick leave for two weeks when he will be checked again. If he is fit then he will be returning to the 1st Battalion Parachute Regiment serving near Basra.

"We were planning a welcome home party but he wants to wait until all his mates come back and get their medals."