Tweet
The 24-year-old, who now lives in Much Birch, is almost fully on his feet after 12 months of rehabilitation.
But his progress reached new heights this month when he was awarded a scholarship to fly a light aircraft.
L/Cpl Wilson spotted the Flying Scholarship for the Disabled offer while recovering at Headley Court Hospital in Surrey.
The scheme was run in conjunction with Help for Heroes and Battle Back, which gets recovering soldiers into sport.
The soldier, who lost his father to the IRA near Mayobridge in 1989 was one of three injured servicemen to make the grade following a four day selection process at RAF Cranwell.
He took control of his first plane early this month and will get flight training at Lasham Airfield, near Basingstoke.
“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, but there were a lot of interviews and medical tests to see if I could,” said L/Cpl Wilson.
“They’ve got to see if you can handle the altitude. I went up for 45 minutes and was given the controls – it was amazing.”
The scholarship is almost “payback” for L/Cpl Wilson, who co-fronted a campaign with his mother, Linda, to help recovering soldiers at Selly Oak Hospital.
Their campaign site can be found at http://www.riflemumschallenge.org.uk where Linda and 13 other Rifles Mum's recently spent the May bank holiday in a basher on the Brecon Beacons and completed the SAS's 24Km "Fan Dance" fitness navigation test.
Hundreds of people provided clothing and funds after the appeal last July.
L/Cpl Wilson still wants to return to the front line in Afghanistan, but may become a commercial pilot should his army career end.
He added: “I’ve got to wait for my medical board to see what I can do physically, but flying is something I’d certainly like to do.”
Please take some time to visit the site and make a donation.
Attached Files
I'm sure dad will be proud of his son.o7