Local amputee veteran in charity abseil

Published Sunday, 23 September 2012
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A Belfast man, who lost both his legs while serving in Afganistan, has abseiled down Belfast's Europa Hotel to raise money for fellow soliders.

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East Belfast man Andy Allen took on the mammoth challenge to raise money for a charity he has set up to help other soldiers and their families in Northern Ireland.

At age 19 years, Andy lost both his legs while on tour in Afghanistan in 2008 and was also partially blinded when a bomb exploded underneath him.

After his long period of rehabilitation, Andy helped set up AA Veterans.

Mark Brotherston, from the charity praised his colleague for his bravery.

He said: "The courage it took for him to get maneuvered up to the twelfth floor in the lift, he had to climb two sets of stairs, a spiral stair case and then go over the edge. He is just inspirational in my mind."

Not only was Sunday's abseil a physical challenge, but a daunting mental challenge as Andy is also afraid of heights- but he was determined to make the effort for his fellow servicemen and women.

"This is what it's all about," he told UTV.

"Myself, I lost my legs in Afghanistan, but it shows the sky's the limit and we are near enough touching the sky up there.

"You know I don't see myself as any different. I'm like any ordinary person. All the other guys can do it then I can do it.

"The ultimate thing was the money raised for the guys and girls to help them here in Northern Ireland."

© UTV News
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