An injured soldier who taught murdered drummer Lee Rigby music has spoken of his heartbreak.

Tom Freret, from Lewes, was seriously injured as he served in Afghanistan in 2008 after a bomb exploded just 30 metres from him.

The 26-year-old, who has since left the Second Royal Princess of Wales Regiment, returned to theUKand went to stay in Woolwich barracks where he met Lee, who was killed last month.

‘In his memory’ He told The Argus: “It shocked and horrified me enough to find out that a soldier had been hacked to death in broad daylight metres from where I was based in Woolwich while carrying out public duties, even more so when I found out it was a friend of mine.”

He taught Lee music and spent nights with the 25-year-old, who was stabbed to death in a street in Woolwich, just outside the barracks, last month.

Mr Freret would like people to donate to forces’ charity Help for Heroes.

Lee was wearing one of the charity’s jumpers when he was attacked.

He said: “This is not political. I just want to do something for Lee.

“After I left Afghan I was in hospital in Selly Oak (in Birmingham) and then I went to barracks.

“Iama drummer as well, good atmusic and I taught music to people including Lee.

“We had nights out together including on New Year’s Eve in 2008 and now I want to do something in his memory.

“I knew his wife Rebecca as well, she is lovely, and he was just a really nice bloke.

“The support from around the world has been overwhelming and people have paid their respects to him at war memorials in towns and cities all over the UK with flowers and candle lit vigils.”

Tributes to Lee Collections in Lee’s honour are being held in Harveys’ Shop, The Volunteer, The Crown, The Lamb, The Elephant & Castle, The Royal Oak, The Rights of Man, The Brewers Arms, The Black Horse and Nevill Newsagents in Lewes.

Michael Adebolajo, 28, of Romford, Essex, has been charged with the murder of Lee, the attempted murder of two police officers and the possession of a firearm.

Michael Adebowale, 22, of Greenwich, London, has been charged with murdering the young soldier.

They are both in custody.