An inspirational army veteran who experienced significant sight loss following brain surgery will this weekend run the Edinburgh Marathon with only the aid of a long cane
. For the second time in the space of five weeks, 50-year-old grandfather Steven Waterston will be participating in a marathon in a bid to raise vital funds for charity, Guide Dogs.
“It was my first marathon, and I vowed never again,” he said. I ran in a cheap pair of trainers and my feet were a mess with blisters. While in training, I should have realised that. After the blisters healed, I invested in decent footwear and after that, I was hooked.” “My sight condition is known as a complete homonymous hemianopia. I have total sight loss of the left visual field and I’m partially sighted on the right.”
In August 2009, he completed a college access course to enable him to study physiotherapy. It was during his studies that an inspirational lecturer, Keith – with whom Steven has remained close friends – gave him some harsh, home truths: he was going backwards rather than forwards. “In January 2010 I went to veterans’ rehab centre Headley Court in Surrey for extensive neuro-rehabilitation and did eventually seek help but refused to accept a pharmacological outlet from the doctors and eventually ended up in cognitive behavioural therapy for a year before beginning to reassemble my life, all the while still running – as that was my medicine.
After a couple of years working in small clinics, he launched his own small practice in a converted garage from which he now works to help others deal with their struggles and improve their own physical and mental robustness. He also qualified as a technical official for Scottish Athletics and coaches children and young people aged eight to 18, predominately in middle distance running, two evenings a week.
“Last year, I saw someone wearing a Guide Dogs running vest and decided there and then that I’d come back and run for them. I’m fortunate enough that I don’t need a guide dog, but everyone who has one sings their praises and I know how much support the charity gives to people.
Danmark Seneste Nyt, Danmark Overskrifter
Similar News:Du kan også læse nyheder, der ligner denne, som vi har indsamlet fra andre nyhedskilder.
Teen caught on Scots street with knife and thousands of pounds of drugs and cashAs well as class A drugs with a street value of around £2,000, officers discovered a 4-figure sum of cash
Læs mere »
Man arrested after alleged dog attack leaves man injured in Scots hospitalThe 25-year-old suffered severe facial injuries and was taken to The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment, with the dog seized.
Læs mere »
Scots football club devastated by pitch fire leaving several teams without homeJunior team Dunipace Football Club spent eight years fundraising for the astroturf pitch - which they say makes the blaze even more gut wrenching.
Læs mere »
Look inside Vrbo's UK Holiday Homes of the year from Edinburgh to DevonVrbo's Holiday Homes of the year come with stunning features like outdoor jacuzzis, cinemas and private saunas.
Læs mere »
Woman dead after car leaves Scots road in BordersThe woman passed away after leaving the road in the Borders.
Læs mere »
Arrest after man seriously injured in dog attack in EdinburghA 24-year-old man suffered serious facial injuries when he was attacked by the animal in Edinburgh.
Læs mere »