Army Veteran Andrew McIntosh tells his story:

 "I served in the Cheshire Regiment for 15 years, seeing active service in Bosnia, Iraq and multiple tours of Northern Ireland.

"I was injured in an incident that happened while serving but left the Army fully fit -  or that’s what we thought. Whilst working I collapsed and after much investigation they found I had over a hundred blood clots and the main vein that carries the blood from my leg back to my heart had disintegrated and this was put down to the trauma of the incident.

"I was told back in 2011 I would never be able to work again and was living in chronic constant pain for the next 10 years. I was pumped full of morphine and other pain killers which in turn has damaged my kidney, and one of my lungs is permanently collapsed due to this medication. SSAFA helped me through some of the darkest days and had it not been for SSAFA I would not be here now," he adds.

"I fought for two years to be prescribed cannabis spray and got it in 2019 allowing me to come off all my opiates which has been life changing.

"One of my greatest passions before this all happened was walking the hills of Scotland. To be told I would never be able to do this again hurt and to be told you couldn’t do any form of exercise was a killer for me.

"Fast forward to 2022 I have been volunteering for SSAFA helping other veterans since 2017, now Branch Chairman for SSAFA Lanarkshire; but the biggest thing for me was finding Lucy and Alan, owners of Strathaven Fitness and Personal Training (FTPT) who have not let any of my disabilities stand in the way and have helped me believe I can do anything again; giving me the sense of being part of a team again.

When Lucy and Alan came up with this walk up Ben A'an I thought they were crazy but they and the team are pushing me to achieve my goal of walking up a hill once more and with the help of the team we will raise vital funds to support other veterans in Scotland - so please support us!"

Alan and Lucy Clark at Strathaven FTPT are delighted to be involved in this charity climb with one of our most inspirational members.  

"Andy walks with crutches for short distances only. However, we are yet to find something in the gym which Andy won't tackle so we don't see him as disabled! This is a big challenge for Andy but we are excited to help train and support him in this challenge and get him back in the hills which he misses," says Alan.

"Andy has dramatically transformed his health and fitness over the past couple of years and his determination and enthusiasm for this journey has been inspirational to watch.

"Members of Team FTPT are excited to be part of this and look forward to sharing a dram or two on the summit in April or May (weather dependant). Phase 2 for us is also planned for later in the year as a Team of FTPT members and Andy hope to tackle the Great Glen Canoe Trail," adds Lucy.

Thank you for taking the time to visit our JustGiving page. Andy works for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity. SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, has been providing lifelong support to our Forces and their families since 1885. Last year our teams of volunteers and employees helped more than 85,000 people in need, from Second World War veterans to young men and women who have served in more recent conflicts, and their families. A charity very close to his heart.