A.B. McKinley

I was born in Glasgow on Valentines day in the early 1970's. Growing up like many Scottish lads I was in tae most sports, especially football (soccer) and Martial Arts. I left school at age 16 and had many jobs including playing Soccer semi-professionally, being a Kickboxing Instructor and Personal trainer. I joined the army in my early 20's and a few years later tried oot fer the Special Forces. I spent 10 years as a member of the most elite Special Ops unit in the world and completed missions in many countries including Iraq and Afghanistan, often working very closely with Navy Seals and Delta Force. My time in the military was cut short due tae being injured in an aircraft accident. I broke my back and was paralyzed from the waist doon. I was told by the doctors that it was unlikely that I would walk again and tae prepare fer life in a wheelchair. Also at this time, my then wife of 3 years decided tae tell me that she did nae want tae deal with me in my present condition and filed fer divorce. Needless tae say, this was a tough time but I eventually got through it. A few months after the accident I saw a toe on my right foot move slightly, at first I was nae sure if I'd imagined it but a few seconds later I tried tae move it again and it definitely twitched. This was just the start, gradually the movement spread and after nearly 3 years of Physical Therapy, Walking Frames, crutches and braces I was able tae walk again. Lesson here - DINNAE EVER LET ANYONE TELL YER THAT YER CANNAE DO SOMETHING!

I have had tae deal with a lot of hard times in my life, including the loss of family and close friends. I have suffered many serious injuries and even a cancer scare (which luckily fer me was brief compared tae what some people go through). Throughout all of this I always tried tae remain positive and remember that nae matter how bad yer think things are, there's always someone worse off than yer are! I hope my story can be an inspiration tae some of yer.

From the author