A surgeon amputated everything and I was as good as new

SAS legend Michael 'Bronco' Lane, who has died at 78, didn't let a bit of frostbite while conquering Everest halt his military career... even though it cost him four fingers, a thumb and all ten of his toes

- Lord Ashcroft

IN THE SAS, there are legends, absolute legends and then there is... Major "Bronco" Lane. Both as a mountaineer and as a soldier, he reached heights of resilience and bravery that defy belief.

It was General Sir Michael Rose, the former commanding officer of the SAS, who once summed up one of the most remarkable military careers of all time when he said: "Bronco Lane is an exceptional soldier whose spirit of adventure and readiness to take risks has led him to the most extreme and dangerous places on Earth - including the summit of Mount Everest."

Sadly, "Bronco" died on Friday aged 78, but he leaves behind a legacy and stories of derring-do that will live on for generations. His SAS career spanned more than 18 years, during which he rose from trooper to major, serving for some of that time in the coveted rank of regimental sergeant major.

In an elite fighting force in which heroics are all too common, Lane became much more than a soldier - he was also an adventurer, climber and author.

I feel privileged to be the custodian of Lane's gallantry and service medals, which form part of a major Special Forces collection I have amassed over the past four decades. I'm also proud to be able to tell his life story because he co-operated with me for his write-up in my book Special Forces Heroes.

Michael Patrick Lane was born in Manchester on July 22, 1945. He enlisted into the Royal Artillery in his home city on September 20, 1961, aged 16, and joined the SAS some six years later.

Even before he became renowned for his courage in the face of the enemy, he had already made a name for himself within the SAS for the circumstances under which he conquered the world's highest mountain.