THE boss of a Colchester-based Army charity has backed a fundraising drive for a film celebrating the heroics of paratroopers.

Kajaki, the first film about the British Army in Afghanistan, will tell the story of Corporal Mark Wright, who died trying to save soldiers trapped in a minefield in September 2006.

Its backers, which are raising most of the £1.2million costs through private donations, have launched a “crowdfunding”

drive via website indiegogo.com, which offers backers gifts depending on how much they donate.

With a week to go until Monday’s deadline, two-thirds of the £40,000 target has been pledged.

Now, it has attracted the backing of Colin Smith, chief executive officer of the Parachute Regiment’s Afghanistan Trust, based at Merville Barracks, Colchester.

He said: “We, as a regiment, have had many soldiers wounded, maimed or killed during this conflict and in turn this has affected so many families.

“These issues do not go away and, at times, can even get worse.

“This is why we need to ensure that we leave a legacy to ensure the regimental family is supported when needed from now and until the foreseeable future.

“The making of this film tells the story of many brave soldiers whomade the ultimate sacrifice as so many more have done.”

The film also has full backing from the family of Cpl Wright, of 3rd Battalion, the Parachute Regiment, as well as Bryn Parry, co-founder of the military charity, Help for Heroes.

For more information about the production, visit kajakimovie.com