A man who was forced to amputate his leg after being given two hours to live has competed for Wales in this years Commonwealth Games.
Sean Gaffney, 46, from Pontefract, was faced with a life or death situation in 1999, after a freak incident while preparing for the Royal Tournament.
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He told Metro.co.uk: It was during a practise run.
As we manoeuvred a 900lb gun across some 28-foot chasm, attempting to connect it to a supportive rope, the barrel dropped from a height of around seven feet, smashing my left foot.
Despite feeling no pain initially and even trying to stand up, it soon became apparent that the injury he had sustained was worse than feared.
Sean said it took five men to pin him down as the pain suddenly ravaged through his body.
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He added: The pain was even savage with morphine.
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Over the next three months, he underwent 25 surgeries as surgeons battled to save the foot.
However, just before the 26th operation, doctors delivered some bad news.
Sean said: I developed Septicaemia, a form of blood poisoning, and was told I wouldnt last two hours with the only choice being amputation.
His 26th operation late took place – finally seeing the amputation of his leg, but since that day it is clear Sean said he has always been determined not to be defeated.
One month after being handed his first prosthetic leg, Sean walked out of the disability centre without the need for a walking stick.
He then re-joined The Royal Navy as an Aircraft Technician – and said he never looked back.
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He said: A year after my amputation I passed my 1.5 mile and multi-stage fitness tests using the basic leg provided by the NHS.
Now even at 46-years-old, I can get the pass mark required of a 20-year old.
Despite this, it wasnt all plain sailing for Sean in his quest to return to active service, as he endured a battle with a double dose of testicular cancer from 2001 until 2007 when he received the all clear.
He added: By 2009 I was serving a seven month tour in Iraq, followed by seven months in Afghanistan in 2011 and 2012 working as a rotary wing liaison officer overseeing the use of civilian helicopter squadron to resupply patrol bases.
This month, the Welshman competed in his first ever Commonwealth Games after overcoming 26 surgeries, two lots of cancer and an amputation.
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Already an Invictus Games double gold medalist in 2016, 2017 World Indoor Rowing Champion, and a silver medallist from the most recent World Indoor Rowing Championships which took place in the USA, he lined up as a para powerlifting competitor in Australia on April 10.
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He said: Powerlifting isnt my passion, but the opportunity was too good to pass up.
It was after a chance meeting with a Welsh team education officer at a powerlifting event in Stockport that the prospect came to life.
A lot of hard work has been put in since then, but hopefully it goes to show that at 46, its never too late to become an elite athlete!
As well as the Commonwealth Games, another of Seans goals for the future is to return to the top step of the podium at the 2019 World Indoor Rowing Championships.
First, however, he will swap the gym for the great outdoors in June – and compete in Total Warrior, a tough obstacle race.
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He added: It will be nice to be able to get out and run outdoors again and have a chance to be wet and muddy! With the Leeds event now local to me, Im really looking forward to it.
Sean is now raising money for Blesma, the limbless veterans charity, in a bid to thank them for their support.
He said: We have raised money for Help for Heroes and Blesma in the past and will again this year do the same.
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