AT the age of 95, most people are happy to put their feet up and relax. Not Jim Thomson, Second World War veteran, who has just resumed his lifelong sport of climbing despite a serious eyesight loss condition.
Thomson, from Avoch, was an avid hiker and rock climber throughout his life, but had to give up as he developed macular degeneration.
Last week, however, he was one of a group of veterans proving that sight loss is no barrier to sporting achievement during a week-long event supported by charities Scottish War Blinded and Blind Veterans UK.
The 12-strong troop all live with a vision impairment and were taught the sport by international paraclimber Garry Cowan, who is himself completely blind during the Combined Veterans Climbing Week, at Edinburgh International Climbing Arena (EICA).
Thomson said: “Rock climbing was my interest for a number of decades and I was interested to find out if I still had the ability to do at least some climbing once more.
“I was apprehensive coming here having not done this for many years. But I’ve managed to get to the top of one of the walls, so I felt that was my success. It was what I was hoping to do.
“It’s very hard, but sight loss doesn’t come into it too much as you’re using a lot of touch.
“Most of the others in the group are quite a lot younger than me, but I’ve still been able to do something that they are doing, so I feel I’m contributing something.
“The satisfaction is great. I will go home and will say to myself I’ve done something that is worthwhile. I feel I’ve accomplished something and met some good guys.”
The veterans, who come from across Scotland, Wales and England, and all receive support from either Scottish War Blinded, Blind Veterans UK, or both charities, demonstrated their incredible determination to learn the ropes and scale the arena’s huge heights.
For many of the group, this marked the first time they had tried climbing.
Former soldier David Martin, 36, of Barrhead, was inspired by Garry Cowan, who lost his sight completely after contracting chicken pox in 2015. RAF veteran Cowan, 37, of St Andrews, regularly competes in paraclimbing nationally and internationally, with his training supported by Scottish War Blinded and Blind Veterans UK.
Martin, who has sight in one eye, says he was “over the moon” to progress from a beginner to reaching the top of 50-foot walls.
He added: “When Garry had told me about how he managed to climb I thought, ‘wow’, so when the opportunity came up to give it a try at this event, I thought I’d sign up. I had never even climbed before.
“It’s just all about feel and touch. I was quite nervous but Garry really helped me and told me I don’t need to see to be able to climb.
“Even at the start of the sessions looking up at the walls I thought it was something I wouldn’t do – I never imagined I would be up there. It’s been great, and it’s been great getting to know everybody too.”
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