“I was an extremely fit 56-year-old scaffolder. A lifelong Mod. Part of the Scottish scooter scene for years.” Says Trooper Alex.
Before his amputation, Alex lived a full and active life. He rode, played music and even headlined the Millport Scooter Rally as part of a Mod covers band.
“I became an above the knee amputee in April 2021 because of the reaction I took to the AstraZeneca Covid vaccine. I was given no hope of survival when I collapsed at home.”
Alex is now a certified Vaccine-Induced Immune Thrombocytopenia (VITT) case and the first living person in the UK to be formally acknowledged by the Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme.
“For me, the hardest part has been trying to deal with the manner in which this happened. It’s such a topical subject, even years later.”
Alex found Finding Your Feet when he came home from hospital.
“A lovely chap called me and explained who the organisation was. I hadn’t heard of you before, but that call made a huge difference.”
Despite feeling very alone because of the nature of his amputation, Alex says FYF helped him feel less isolated and more understood, through connecting with others who understand life after amputation.
Alex says his motto is “I can’t come into your darkness and light the way out, just as no one can come into my darkness and light the way out. You don’t know how strong you are, until it’s all you’ve got.”
We’re sharing Trooper stories like Alex’s to reflect the real experiences behind life after amputation or limb difference and to remind others that they are not on their own.
If you feel comfortable sharing your own story, we would love to hear from you.