Ex-para injured in Afghan bomb blast takes off with new career as airline pilot
BY STEPHEN STEWART s.stewart@dailyrecord.co.uk A WAR hero who was almost killed by a boobytrap bomb blast in Afghanistan has been given a new lease of life – as an airline pilot.
Former paratrooper Nathan Forster was riddled with shrapnel in 2011 when an improvised explosive device detonated while he was fighting the Taliban.
But he has fought back and his new career is taking off – as a first officer with holiday firm TUI.
Nathan, 30, trained with Scots charity Wings for Warriors, who plan to open the world’s first flight school for wounded soldiers.
Their director Mark Radcliffe said: “It was amazing to be able to help Nathan on his journey.
“He’s come a long way since being injured by an IED and is an excellent example of what veterans can achieve with the right support.
“He is very typical of the Paras, who are famous for their resilience and overcoming adversity.
“He has risen to the challenge.
“We hope many more veterans will follow in Nathan’s footsteps. ”
Three years ago, the former Para flew a Spitfire in formation with Prince Harry in the biggest flypast of Battle of Britain aircraft since the war.
Nathan was trained to fly Spitfires by the prince’s Endeavour Fund, which aims to give wounded servicemen new challenges.
He said: “I was quite lost when I left the military and I didn’t know what to do.
“The chance to apply for the scholarship came up.
“I was expecting it to be pretty amazing but it’s hard to describe how amazing it is. Once it’s in flight, there’s nothing like it, it’s like having wings.”
Steve Cooper, of charity Support Our Paras, praised Nathan’s success. He said: “We’re so happy he has passed his qualifications with flying colours.”
Wings for Warriors want to create a flight school at Aberdeen airport to train former forces personnel from across the UK. For more information, go to wings4warriors.org.uk