A Larkhall veteran has spoken about the invaluable help that he received from Poppyscotland after being injured during service.
Calum Cook’s career in the Army was cut short due to chronic back pain which came about after he was undertaking training for a promotion.
He suffers severe mobility issues, but after receiving a grant from Poppyscotland he was able to buy a recumbent bike which allows him to cycle in a laid-back reclinging position.
It has helped with the pain and given him back a sense of freedom.
The 25-year-old, who lives with wife Roxanne and the couple’s two young children, Lexia and Lucia, said: “Incredibly, it came within a week and the help I got from Poppyscotland has been massive. Life is better. I’ve got more freedom. I’m getting fitter. I’ve got more motivation. It has given me a bit of independence back which I didn’t have before, and that’s thanks to the support from the Scottish public and Poppyscotland.”
Scottish stars came out in force last week to help launch this year’s Scottish Poppy Appeal and show that when it comes to our Armed Forces, they are behind them.
Among those with messages of support for veterans throughout Scotland are Game of Thrones actor James Cosmo, celebrity chef Nick Nairn and multiple-medal-winning athlete Eilidh Doyle.
The Scottish Poppy Appeal is Scotland’s largest annual street collection and helps to raise millions of pounds each year which Poppyscotland uses to support the country’s Armed Forces community.
More than five million poppies and 60,000 collecting tins have been distributed around Scotland as the public is encouraged to wear a poppy with pride.
