Blind golf gave me drive to face life again

At just 21, Army veteran Allan Mustard's world was turned upside down when he was medically discharged after being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.

- STAFF REPORTER

Now 38, Allan, from Perth, faces an even greater challenge - diabetic neuropathy, a life-limiting condition that has affected his vision and changed the course of his life.

Despite this devastating prognosis, Allan has found renewed strength and hope through Sight Scotland Veterans. With their support, he is embracing each day with courage and purpose, proving that even in the face of immense adversity, it's possible to find a new vision for life.

He explains: "I joined the army in 2004 and was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes while serving in Iraq during TELIC7 (a British military operation). One day, I came in from patrol, slept through a debrief, and was taken to hospital where I was told I had type 1 diabetes.

"I was medevaced to Scotland for treatment before returning to Germany and later reassigned to a recruiting team back home. When my vision declined, I was forced to give that up too.

"It was incredibly difficult. I didn't want to leave the Army, and I certainly didn't want to give up my role in recruitment, but the decision was out of my hands. Receiving a life-limiting diagnosis was even harder, especially with a wife and young family.

"My confidence was shattered. I thought 'I can't drive, I won't be able to do anything, I'll just be stuck at home'. But Sight Scotland Veterans changed that - not just for me, but for my wife and son as well.

"They have provided incredible support, visited my son's school, and helped us embrace the mindset that life is for living."