Taliban victim’s hero of the gym

A WAR veteran who lost both legs in a Taliban bomb blast in Afghanistan has found a new career as a personal trainer.

Gregg Stevenson, 33, lost one leg above and the other below the knee while on patrol in Helmand Province in 2009.

The dad of two now works as a physical training instructor in a gym at the Specialist Mobility Rehabilitation Centre in Preston.

He said: “I was a Royal Engineer and was injured in my first tour.

“It was just a routine foot patrol. I had pushed into a building to get up on the rooftop for a better view of the area when I stood on an improvised explosive device.

“I remember experiencing a fairground ride sensation of being thrown and my stomach not feeling right.”

Gregg, of Colne, Lancs, added: “The initial pain was in my face but as I came to it became evident I had lost my legs.

“The other lads pulled me out and got me into the helicopter.”

Before being injured sporty Gregg always enjoyed running and playing football.

He said: “It was about coming to terms with the fact I wasn’t going to be able to do things as easily any more.

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