A veteran army mechanic has been selected to be part of a British Paralympic Association (BPA) programme, which could see him compete in the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, thanks to Help for Heroes funding.
As part of his preparations, Lee Aitchison, a former Beath High School pupil, will attend the Sochi Winter Paralympic Games from March 7 to 16 with the Paralympic Inspiration Programme.
Mr Aitchison, 27, was talent spotted for pistol shooting after taking part in a skills test event at the Help for Heroes Recovery Centre in Tidworth, Wiltshire.
He is one of eight athletes, supported by Help for Heroes, to be selected as part of the programme to give aspiring Paralympians the chance to experience the games.
Mr Aitchison, who has completed two tours to Afghanistan, has been in a wheelchair since suffering nerve damage, triggered by a training accident in October 2010.
A twisted ankle suffered on a military skills exercise developed into complex regional pain syndrome, a rare, progressive and incurable condition that causes extreme hypersensitivity.
Mr Aitchison, a former rugby player, still manages to enjoy sport, however, especially shooting, but says he discovered his talent for it completely by accident.
“I went to Tedworth Recovery Centre to try out wheelchair-based sports such as basketball and it was only when I was leaving that I spotted the shooting stand and thought I might as well have a go while I was there,” Mr Aitchison said.
“At first, I was selected for my rifle skills but after they saw my success with a pistol, I was very quickly assigned a coach and meet up with him three times every month.
“I have seen a great improvement in my ability since then, plus it makes me feel like me again.
“For a long time I was depressed. When you can no longer do the job that you have trained 10 years to do, it’s like your life is over but, now, thanks to shooting, I have my spark and determination back.”
Help for Heroes is assisting Mr Aitchison with funding towards an air pistol to help him achieve his dream of joining Team GB and competing in future Paralympic Games. It is not the only way the charity has helped Mr Aitchison.
When he was refused permission to adapt his rented home in Kelty so that he could move around it in his wheelchair, the Scottish organisation Houses for Heroes (formerly the Scottish Veterans’ Garden City Association) found the Aitchisons wife Linda and three daughters Danika,six, Melissa, five and Hope, 21 months a bungalow close to the centre of Airdrie.
Mr Aitchison said: “It is ideal. It means that I can now move freely around the whole house.”