A blind veteran who snapped his spine in a parachute jump and became homeless is to abseil down the Forth Bridge for charity.
Garry Cowan broke his back when a parachute jump when wrong in 2003 while he was stationed at RAF Leuchars.
The former airman learned to walk again but in another cruel twist of fate lost his sight some years later when he contracted chicken pox.
Without a job or home, the 36-year-old from St Andrews was sleeping on friends’ sofas until his local MP stepped in and helped find him a council house.
His life has since got back on track and Garry now trains with the GB Paralympic climbing team and has won major titles across the globe.
Abseiling 165-feet from the iconic rail bridge on June 10, he will raise funds for Fife Society for the Blind, one of several organisations which helped him get back on his feet.
Its chief executive Carl Hodson, said: “Garry’s progress has been remarkable and we wish him all the best in his Forth Rail Bridge abseil next month.
“Over the last year, Garry hasn’t allowed his challenges to stop him leading life. He’s got such a fighting spirit and real determination to succeed, which is fantastic.”
The charity helped Garry lead a more independent life by embracing new technology for those with sight impairment, such as navigation apps on his phone, Amazon Echo and the OptiGrill which allows him to cook safely.
Garry said North East Fife MP Stephen Gethins gave him the confidence to turn his life around.
Mr Gethins said: “Garry is an inspiration; he has worked so hard to overcome so many difficulties.
“I was pleased to be able to help him find a house and with that he has come so far.
“I wish him all the very best for the abseil and hope he meets his £1000 target.
“Fife Society for the Blind provide invaluable support for local people affected by sight loss and it’s good to see someone who has benefitted, being able to give something back.”
Garry, who hopes to soon get a guide dog, has also had help from SSAFA and Blind Veterans UK, which reintroduced him to climbing.
He was awarded an athletics scholarship by St Andrews University and trains at its sports centre climbing wall.
To sponsor Garry visit his fund raising page.
