It’s hard to imagine that just two years ago Peter Conaghan was unable to speak or walk.

Having recently retired from 22 years in the military, ex-athlete Peter was enjoying success running his own catering business. But the dad of one’s life came crashing down in 2016 when he suffered a stroke. Peter not only lost his speech and mobility, but the stroke damaged his optic nerve causing him to lose his sight.

Peter, who is originally from Ardrossan, but now lives in Edinburgh, told the Herald: “The stroke was like a bomb going off. I’ve had to relearn basic things like to try and walk and talk. It’s a bit mental.

“I would hate for other people to go through what I’ve gone through. I get seizures now, I get muddled and I get hallucinations. It’s hard to concentrate.”

But two years on from the stroke that changed his life, Peter’s fighting spirit is showing no signs of backing down. The 54-year-old has found solace with the Scottish War Blinded, which he says has transformed his life. Thanks to the charity, he enjoys regular visits to a rehabilitation centre and now lives in a special-adapted house.

Peter is also determined to maintain his links with his home town and has successfully made the trip back to Ardrossan several times.

He said: “At first, I set myself the task to learn to get from my house to the bus stop. I’ve reached out and came as far as Ardrossan and back. I haven’t forgotten where I’m from. I’ve got family in Ardrossan, my roots are in Ardrossan.

“I’m working really hard to try and regain not my sight because that won’t come back, but to regain my cognitive abilities as much as I can.

“I struggled really badly at the initial time. Through the Scottish War Blinded and their methodology, it’s been fantastic.”