AMPUTEE EX-SOLDIER INSPIRES THE NATION

Deserved award nomination for brave blast victim David

A DOUBLE amputee squaddie has been hailed as an inspiration to the country.

David Birrell – who lost his legs in a blast in Afghanistan – has been shortlisted for a Soldiering On award – which honour the achievements of personnel, veterans and forces organisations.

Since suffering his injury in 2010, the former Black Watch soldier has been focusing on his other passion – racing cars.

David, who is nominated in the Inspiration category, has set his BY STEPHEN STEWART s.stewart@dailyrecord.co.uk sights on competing in the worldfamous Le Mans race in 2022.

The former winner of the Record’s Our Heroes award said: “It’s an honour to be announced as a finalist in the inspirational category.”

Who Dares Cares, a charity who support ex-forces personnel with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, have been nominated for the People’s Choice Award.

Ex-soldiers Calum MacLeod and Colin MacLachlan set up the organisation to help struggling comrades. The category will go to a public vote next month.

Calum, a nominee for the Record’s Our Heroes award, said: “We are all absolutely humbled and delighted.”

Other finalists include Bravehound, based at Erskine, who provide support dogs for veterans.

They were shortlisted in the Animal Partnership Award. Scottish charity Unforgotten Forces, who help older veterans in Scotland at risk of social isolation, housing, mental health or employment issues, have also been nominated in the Working Together category.