Man completes Kiltwalk two months after having leg amputated

A man who lost his leg after being struck by a car two months ago has completed the Glasgow Kiltwalk.

Andy Watson was standing at the side of the road in Helensburgh when he was struck by a vehicle in February.

The 47-year-old’s leg was so severely damaged that medics said the only treatment was an above-the-knee amputation.

After being cleared to return home in Alexandria, Andy set his sights on completing the 22.7-mile Mighty Stride for Down’s Syndrome Scotland.

He said: “I am so grateful to my friends who helped me complete it, as I obviously had to take lots of rests in the chair, and they were able to push me at various points so we could keep up with the crowd.

“We’re all human, and we’re all so much more capable than we think we are – maybe even more than we give ourselves credit for – so my only message would be for people to never feel scared to try something.”

Andy completed the route from Glasgow Green to Moss O’Balloch Park near Loch Lomond in just under nine hours.

He set the goal of raising £300, however, the 47-year-old has raised almost six times that amount.

Andy added: “There were a few people telling me they thought I was doing something really inspiring, and while I know what they mean, I didn’t quite feel that way myself.

“I’m just a normal guy doing what I feel to be a normal thing – to push yourself and stay positive.

“Sitting doing nothing would lead to a depressing cycle, and I’m determined not to let that happen. Completing this walk was a way of proving to myself that losing my leg doesn’t mean my life is over.

“I’d like to thank everyone who donated to my Just Giving page, as I was completely blown away when I saw the total raised, not to mention all the messages of support.

“So when I got home, I felt I had earned a wee beer, so I allowed myself to have that wee positive moment. To everyone behind the scenes who helped me get to where I currently am, thank you.”

The fundraiser is still open.

Police Scotland investigated the collision, and a 23-year-old driver was reported to the procurator fiscal.