Amputee boxing coach is back in gym just months after losing legs
Scott, 46, learns to walk on new prosthetic limbs
A BRAVE boxing coach is back in the gym training the next generation of champions just months after losing both his legs.
Scott Dyer, from Bonnyrigg, Midlothian, was just hours from death after contracting a killer blood infection.
The 46-year-old was left fighting for his life and placed in a coma after being diagnosed with meningococcal septicaemia and pneumonia in February.
Both his legs were amputated and all his fingers except his thumbs taken off to battle the infection.
The dad of two had to learn to walk again on prosthetic legs.
He is now enjoying life again training young fighters at Midlothian Boxing Club and climbing Pentland hills.
Scott said: “Before my operation, hillwalking and being in the gym were really important to me.
“Being away from them and stuck indoors was obviously a massive change for me.
“It is absolutely amazing to be up and walking again.
“I can go for walks, see the kids and get back to the gym.
“You take these things for granted but it has been a painful experience.”
Scott added: “I had to do a lot of physio work to learn how to use the prosthetics.
“The guys at the gym are over the moon that I’m back and training again. It is great to be working with the young lads.”
Scott said many would have “given up” after the shock loss of limbs.
He added: “I still have age on my side and I want to live my life to the fullest.
“I’ve always had a major motivation and even though I’ve been sidelined for a long period, I do feel like I’m back.
“My family have been 100 per cent behind me the whole way.”
Scott’s wife Mary, 45, had noticed a purple rash on her husband’s neck, which prompted her to call for help.
She told the Record in February how doctors said he may die.
Mary kept a bedside vigil over Scott at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for the next 11 days until he came round from the coma.
He was then transferred to St John’s Hospital in Livingston where doctors decided the best way to help Scott would be to amputate both legs below the knee.
They are now urging families to be aware of the symptoms associated with meningococcal septicaemia.
Signs include fatigue, vomiting, severe aches and pains, rapid breathing and, in the later stages, a dark purple rash.