A former RAF parachute instructor who broke his back then lost his sight through chicken pox is aiming to become one of the world’s best rock climbers.
Garry Morrison from St Andrews has regained his independence thanks to the support of Fife Society for the Blind .
The Kirkcaldy-based charity helped him build confidence with mobility issues, access technology, cooking and every day tasks.
The 36-year-old is so grateful that he is helping raise funds for the society and is encouraging others to do the same.
Garry features in a video explaining how the charity has helped him and many others to achieve their goals following sight loss.
It will be shown at the Society Ball in March which is being hosted by writer, broadcaster and comedian Hardeep Singh Kohli.
Garry said: “Everybody at Fife Society was so kind to me, particularly their mobility trainer and access technology trainer.
“Their help has allowed me to be independent and pretty much look after myself.
“I have the advantage of being ex-forces and able to get help from forces’ charities too.
“Fife Society for the Blind helped me reach out to others as well.”
A parachute accident in 2003 meant Garry had to learn to walk again but it was chicken pox in 2015 that changed his life forever.
“Spots started to appear and then it got into my eyes,” he said.
“Within days I had lost my sight in one eye and within a couple of months I had just 4% vision in the other eye. It was very tough.
“To go from being very active to losing my sight was a huge blow.
“With Fife Society for the Blind’s help I am now as active as ever and part of the Team GB Paralympic rock climbing team.”
He added: “I would encourage people to support the work of Fife Society for the Blind by attending events such as the Society Ball.
“They make a real difference to people’s lives locally.”
Fife Society for the Blind’s chief executive Carl Hodson said Garry was a huge inspiration to others who have lost their sight.
“Many people wrongly believe that we only help older people or that sight issues only affect older people,” he said.
“Garry’s experience shows that losing your sight can happen to anyone of any age.
“While I am proud that we have played some part in helping Garry regain his independence, his determination and drive to take on new challenges and exceed expectations is hugely humbling.”
