A former Angus man left paralysed following a roadside blast in Afghanistan has thanked the charities that supported his family in its hour of need.
Kevin Ogilvie from Carnoustie was just 22 when a roadside bomb attack by the Taliban in 2012 left the RAF Regiment Gunner paralysed from the chest down.
An improvised explosive device ripped through the armoured vehicle he was driving while on patrol in Helmand Province.
The blast left the former Carnoustie High School pupil fighting for his life with seven broken and crushed vertebrae and other serious injuries.
Now living in Suffolk, he has gradually rebuilt his life through the support of his family, the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund and the Soldiers Sailors and Airmen’s Families Association (SSAFA).
The fund helped partner Amie and daughter Grace rent a cottage close to the hospital and cover travel costs for Kevin’s parents to visit Shropshire.
The iron-clad determination which saw Kevin overcome his injuries was focused on a year of fundraising events culminating in a family skydive in April.
Kevin said: “The support given to us by both the RAF Benevolent Fund and SSAFA has been invaluable during the difficult days of my recovery.
“We know they will be there to support our family for as long as we need them to.
“The fundraising is really our way of saying thank you for all their help.”
A midsummer ball, which raised almost £7,000, as well as supermarket collections have all added to the couple’s tally. In addition to this, supporters have completed events on their behalf including sponsored bungee jumps helping the Ogilvies exceed their target of £10,000 for each charity.
Kevin tested out a revolutionary new exoskeleton at military rehab centre Headly Court last year.
Manufactured by New Zealand-based firm Rex Bionics, the structure attaches to the wearer via straps from their torso to their feet and allows leg movement through the manipulation of a small, handheld joystick.
Kevin tried a similar device in the past but this was the first time he had been able to use his legs without the aid of crutches or arm support.
RAF Benevolent Fund fundraising director Mike Neville said: “We are humbled by the Ogilvies’ generosity.”
SSAFA’s director of fundraising Deborah Easlick said: “We have watched in awe as both Amie and Kevin have adjusted as a family to their life-changing circumstances.”
The Ogilvies presented the funds to representatives from both charities at a ceremony at RAF Honington.
The couple were nominated for the national Soldiering On ‘People’s Choice Award’ in April and their achievements were recognised by the RAF Benevolent Fund when they were presented with the Above and Beyond Award at the charity’s annual awards earlier this year.