A devastating encounter with a roadside bomb four years ago changed Iain McQueen’s life in an instant.
As a captain in 5 Scots (Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders), he was crossing a track in Afghanistan with the rest of his company just before Christmas 2010 when he stepped on a buried improvised explosive device (IED).
The trap partially exploded, shattering his left leg, ankle and foot – and his plans to remain in the Army.
Doctors at Camp Bastion – the main military bas14e in Helmand Province – and Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham were able to save his leg.
However, an infection set back his recovery and put him out of action for years.
Mr McQueen, who joined the Army in 2008, said: “Over the next two years I had two more limb reconstructions and for around two years I had a large metal cage over my left lower leg.
“In July 2013, the leg finally healed and I got the metal cage off and I had more rehab to get the leg back to full strength.
“The leg is ok now, but the foot and ankle are not as they were before, which meant I was not fit enough to continue in the Army. I was told I would have to leave in September last year.”
The 29-year-old began considering his options, and thought about joining the police before realising his injuries would bar him from embarking on a physical career.
A discussion with former colleague Chris Kirk – who had already started flying with Wings for Warriors – gave him back his sense of purpose.
Mr McQueen decided to apply and was accepted on to the training programme.
He moved to the north-east to start the training in October, and although he has had to adapt to being a student again, is thoroughly enjoying his new lease of life.
“I wanted to fly when I was younger, but the training is so expensive,” he said.
“There was no way in a million years I would be able to fund myself. I found out it was all paid for, and that Wings for Warriors would be able to help with some of the living costs, so just went for it.”
He added: “I had a long period of inactivity and lost my sense of purpose.
“My peer group were progressing with their careers and lives and I was stuck. This has given me the chance to embark on an interesting career which I didn’t think I would be able to do again.”