The bereaved mother of a Black Watch soldier killed in Afghanistan has conquered her crippling fear of heights during a terrifying charity challenge.
Sean Binnie of Kirkcaldy was just 22 when he died on a foot patrol with the Afghan National Army.
At the weekend his determined mother Jan (43) abseiled more than 150ft at the Craigie Barns cliffs near Dunkeld to raise cash for the Afghan Heroes charity.
“My son would have wanted me to support the troops and I am sure he would be very proud of me,” she told The Courier.
“My heart was going 10 to the dozen but I was just absolutely determined to do it.
“I am terrified of heights and knew I would have to conquer my fears, but it was something I had to do.”
Since Sean’s death, Jan has been very active in helping the families of other soldiers who have lost their lives or been wounded during active service.
“The Afghan Heroes charity can make a real difference and I hope the money raised here will help soldiers and their families,” she said.
“A lot of money is being raised in England but several Scottish regiments have been out in what is a very dangerous war zone and I thought it would be good to help raise money north of the border.
“If we can make a difference to one family it will be worthwhile.”
Jan said Sean’s tragic death had been the catalyst for her involvement with the charity and said he remains a huge inspiration.
“Sean joined the army when he was 16 and absolutely loved it,” she said.
“I wanted to do something not just in his memory, but for all the soldiers past and present.
“It is a funny feeling when your son is fighting a war and I suppose you just try to get on with your life,” Jan added.
“However, when Sean was killed it really bought home just how dangerous and severe the situation is out there.
“Anything people can do to help and support bereaved families and injured soldiers is good.”
When Jan suffered a mild stroke recently, many people assumed the charity abseil would be cancelled but she explained that was never on the agenda.
“I was in hospital for a time, but I just had to do this,” she added.
As Sean’s family struggled to come to terms with his death, they benefited from help provided by Holidays 4 Heroes.
“They paid for a break that really gave us a chance to reflect on everything that has happened over the last year,” Jan said.
“As such we know just how important the help given to soldiers and their families can be.
“We are learning to live without Sean it is hard but we are getting there.”
Sean died rescuing two Afghan soldiers in May 2009.
He and a fellow soldier freed the men, pinned down in a firefight, by killing the enemy with a grenade.
Sean was killed seconds later by a single Taliban bullet.