Lance Corporal Alec Robotham was 24 when, just three months into his first tour of duty in Afghanistan, he was struck down by a suicide bomber, sustaining injuries so severe he was immediately airlifted back to the UK. Left with extensive scarring, nerve damage and muscular damage to both his arms and legs; Alec had no choice but to accept his days as a Royal Marine were over. 

Alec spent a month receiving treatment in Selly Oak hospital, four months receiving physiotherapy at Headley Court, and a further four months at the Royal Marine’s own rehab centre, Hasler Company, in Plymouth, before finally getting what he calls his ‘lucky break ’.

With the support of The Poppy Factory, Alec discovered a new organisation – Wings for Warriors - who train injured veterans as helicopter pilots. Alec attended an open day and was instantly hooked, stating ‘as a boy I’d always been fascinated by helicopters, which had stayed with me as an adult until one even saved my life. I began to feel something I hadn’t felt in a long time… hope’.  With partial funding from The Poppy Factory, Alec was able to begin training full time in January this year, and is looking forward to a brighter future.