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Daily Record
17 hours ago
- General
- Daily Record
Scots soldier who lost eye during training opens up on 'daunting' experience
Steven Williams, 42, from Edinburgh, was forced to leave the Army in 2011 after a sharp tree branch snapped back into his face during field training in Nairobi. A Scots soldier who lost an eye during a patrol in Kenya is hoping to inspire others by taking on a gruelling series of Kiltwalks. Steven Williams is raising awareness for veterans with sight loss after he was discharged from the army in 2011 after a branch snapped back in his face in Nairobi. At first, he shrugged it off as there was 'blood". However, by the morning, he was blind in one eye. After flying home to Edinburgh, he underwent 12 operations before doctors gave him the heartbreaking choice - undergo further treatment or remove his eye. He made the difficult decision to have the operation in May of 2011 and was soon informed he was 'no longer fit to serve', reports Edinburgh Live. Steven admits he soon felt he had lost 'his job and purpose, and felt completely lost.' He sought help from Sight Scotland Veterans, which he hailed as 'invaluable'. Now, he's taking part in four Kilt Walks this year in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Dundee alongside his partner. They're looking to highlight the work of Sight Scotland Veterans. Recalling his time in the army, Steven said: 'I served ten years in the Army, starting with the Royal Scots. I did a couple of tours in Iraq and each one was completely different. "The first was intense combat, modern day warfare. The second was more about training the Iraqi Army to be self-sufficient and allow the British Armed Forces to leave. There were some hairy moments along the way, we got blown up by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in the back of a FV510 Warrior, an armoured vehicle, during one patrol down 'Route Irish' which is a 7.5mile stretch from the Green Zone to Baghdad's International Airport. "The FV510 Warrior was immobilised when an IED detonated at the front, striking the engine, if it hadn't, I wouldn't be here to tell the story. Our training automatically kicked in and we secured the site but thankfully there was no secondary fire." Steven heard that The Black Watch were seeking a 30-man platoon from Scottish regiments for an upcoming deployment in Afghanistan. Admitting that he was 'naively feeling invincible', he volunteered. Part of the training was in Kenya. He recalled: "After four weeks in the field near Nairobi, a branch snapped back during a patrol and struck me in the eye. There was no blood, and you couldn't really stop, so I kept going, but by morning I couldn't see. "I was CASEVAC (casualty evacuated) from the field and taken to hospital in Nairobi where they removed part of the thorn. I flew back with a field doctor having drops put in my eye every fifteen minutes during a ten-hour flight. 'Back in the UK, and I remember being in Heathrow and I was still wearing my dusty and dirty camouflage clothing, and the field doctor went into one of those fancy designer shops and bought some 'civvy' clothes. I went to Moorfields Eye Hospital in London to stabilise my eye and I was transferred to Birmingham and Midland Eye Centre for a week before returning to my unit in Edinburgh. I still had the eye, but I had no central vision." Doctors 'didn't know what to do' following dozens of treatments, and after two years of being unable to serve, Steven felt he was ready to leave the army. Although admits it was 'daunting'. He continued: "Things got extremely hard. I started to feel sorry for myself and I didn't know what to do. I essentially lost my eye, my job, my purpose, and I felt completely lost. "It was around this time I started to get help from Sight Scotland Veterans and my independent living worker in Midlothian was amazing. She supported not just me, but also my partner and our children. That meant the world, because when a veteran loses their sight, the whole family is affected. Until I had my eye removed, people didn't even understand that I was injured. It was invisible, and that made it even harder to deal with. "I was fitted with a prosthetic eye, but it was so uncomfortable, and I was told I would need yet another operation on my eye lids and I couldn't face it. So, I spoke with my family, and we all agreed that if I was OK with how I looked (without the prosthetic eye), I didn't need it." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Steven is not legally classified as sight-impaired, but says his sight loss affects him every day. He struggles walking downstairs, judging distances or noticing things from the side. He's also 'constantly worries' about bumping into things. Steven says he's spent ten years 'pretending he doesn't have sight loss'. He added: "Over time, I've tried to be a bit kinder to myself. The support I received from Sight Scotland Veterans was invaluable. "They encouraged me to get involved with the community again. I started by volunteering to coach my son's football team. That led me to the Lothian Veterans Centre where, after seven months of volunteering, I was offered a part-time job as an employability officer. "Eventually, I became the operations Manager for four years. It was a rewarding but demanding role, often supporting people in crisis such as facing job loss, homelessness, or struggling with their mental or physical health. "I was regularly contacted out of hours, even on Christmas Day, and often neglected my own wellbeing. All this time I wasn't dealing with my own sight loss, and my mental health began to suffer. Throughout this time Sight Scotland Veterans remained a constant support." Steven realised he 'needed a break', and began exploring mindfulness and yoga. He found a role with Sight Scotland Veterans, and began helping veterans rebuild their lives after the pandemic. Since then, he's started a new role as an independent living worker. He added: "I thoroughly enjoy helping veterans live as independently as possible and reconnect with their communities. "I know first-hand how vital this support is, especially for those experiencing sight loss for the first time or facing significant changes."
Edinburgh Live
a day ago
- General
- Edinburgh Live
Injured Edinburgh soldier on 'daunting' moment doctors 'didn't know what to do'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info An Edinburgh soldier who lost his eye during a patrol in Kenya is determined to inspire others. Steven Williams, 42, was discharged from the army in 2011 after a branch snapped back in his face in Nairobi. He kept going as there was 'no blood', but couldn't see by morning. After returning to his unit in Edinburgh, he went through twelve operations - before doctors gave him the option of further treatments or removing his eye. He made the difficult decision to have the operation in May of 2011, and was told he was 'no longer fit to serve'. Steven admits feeling he had lost 'his job and purpose, and felt completely lost'. He started getting help from Sight Scotland Veterans, which he hailed as 'invaluable'. Now, he's taking on four Kilt Walks this year in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Dundee. Along with his partner, he's looking to highlight the work of Sight Scotland Veterans. Recalling his time in the army, Steven said: "'I served ten years in the Army, starting with the Royal Scots. I did a couple of tours in Iraq and each one was completely different. "The first was intense combat, modern day warfare. The second was more about training the Iraqi Army to be self-sufficient and allow the British Armed Forces to leave. There were some hairy moments along the way, we got blown up by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in the back of a FV510 Warrior, an armoured vehicle, during one patrol down 'Route Irish' which is a 7.5mile stretch from the Green Zone to Bagdad's Internation Airport. "The FV510 Warrior was immobilised when an IED detonated at the front, striking the engine, if it hadn't, I wouldn't be here to tell the story. Our training automatically kicked in and we secured the site but thankfully there was no secondary fire." Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox Steven heard that The Black Watch were seeking a 30-man platoon from Scottish regiments for an upcoming deployment in Afghanistan. Admitting that he was 'naively feeling invincible', he volunteered. Part of the training was in Kenya. He recalled: "After four weeks in the field near Nairobi, a branch snapped back during a patrol and struck me in the eye. There was no blood, and you couldn't really stop, so I kept going, but by morning I couldn't see. "I was CASEVAC (casualty evacuated) from the field and taken to hospital in Nairobi where they removed part of the thorn. I flew back with a field doctor having drops put in my eye every fifteen minutes during a ten-hour flight. 'Back in the UK, and I remember being in Heathrow and I was still wearing my dusty and dirty camouflage clothing, and the field doctor went into one of those fancy designer shops and bought some 'civvy' clothes. I went to Moorfields Eye Hospital in London to stabilise my eye and I was transferred to Birmingham and Midland Eye Centre for a week before returning to my unit in Edinburgh. I still had the eye, but I had no central vision." Doctors 'didn't know what to do' after a dozen treatments, and after two years of being unable to serve, Steven felt he was ready to leave the army. He admits it was 'daunting'. (Image: Sight Scotland Veterans) He continued: "Things got extremely hard. I started to feel sorry for myself and I didn't know what to do. I essentially lost my eye, my job, my purpose, and I felt completely lost. "It was around this time I started to get help from Sight Scotland Veterans and my independent living worker in Midlothian was amazing. She supported not just me, but also my partner and our children. That meant the world, because when a veteran loses their sight, the whole family is affected. Until I had my eye removed, people didn't even understand that I was injured. It was invisible, and that made it even harder to deal with. "I was fitted with a prosthetic eye, but it was so uncomfortable, and I was told I would need yet another operation on my eye lids and I couldn't face it. So, I spoke with my family, and we all agreed that if I was OK with how I looked (without the prosthetic eye), I didn't need it." While Steven isn't legally classified as sight-impaired, he says his sight loss affects him every single day. He finds it hard to walk downstairs, judge distances, or notice things from the side. He's also 'constantly worries' about bumping into things. Steven says he's spent ten years 'pretending he doesn't have sight loss'. He added: "Over time, I've tried to be a bit kinder to myself. The support I received from Sight Scotland Veterans was invaluable. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sentstraight to your messages. "They encouraged me to get involved with the community again. I started by volunteering to coach my son's football team. That led me to the Lothian Veterans Centre where, after seven months of volunteering, I was offered a part-time job as an employability officer. "Eventually, I became the operations Manager for four years. It was a rewarding but demanding role, often supporting people in crisis such as facing job loss, homelessness, or struggling with their mental or physical health. "I was regularly contacted out of hours, even on Christmas Day, and often neglected my own wellbeing. All this time I wasn't dealing with my own sight loss, and my mental health began to suffer. Throughout this time Sight Scotland Veterans remained a constant support." Steven realised he 'needed a break', and began exploring mindfulness and yoga. He found a role with Sight Scotland Veterans, and began helping veterans rebuild their lives after the pandemic. Since then, he's started a new role as an independent living worker. He added: "I thoroughly enjoy helping veterans live as independently as possible and reconnect with their communities. "I know first-hand how vital this support is, especially for those experiencing sight loss for the first time or facing significant changes."
New Indian Express
a day ago
- New Indian Express
Security forces recover 14 IEDs, huge cache of explosives from Jharkhand's Saranda forest
RANCHI: In yet another achievement by the security forces, as many as 14 Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and a huge cache of explosives weighing more than 50 kg were recovered during a search operation in the forests of Chitpil under Toklo Police Station in Chaibasa. The IEDs were destroyed at the spot by the bomb disposal squad due to security reasons. According to police, following a tip-off, a joint operation was launched involving personnel from Jharkhand Police and the CRPF's 60th Battalion. The operation was focused on forested and hilly areas near the Chaibasa–Seraikela border, a region known for frequent Maoist activity. 'During the search operation, the security forces discovered 14 powerful improvised explosive devices (IEDs) planted with an intent to ambush patrolling units. Due to security reasons, these IEDs were safely defused by the bomb disposal squad,' stated an official communique from Chaibasa Police. In addition to that, an underground Maoist explosive storage site was found, containing 52 polybags filled with nearly 52 kgs of a white powder suspected to be ammonium nitrate — commonly used for making bombs by the Maoists, it said.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
AIIMS Nagpur sets national benchmarks at best practices conclave
Nagpur: AIIMS Nagpur, one of the youngest AIIMS in India, made a powerful impression at the best practices conclave hosted on its campus. With impactful presentations, field-tested innovations, and academic strength, it earned praise and adoption interest from across the AIIMS network. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The two-day conclave concluded on Saturday. Representatives from 23 AIIMS institutions across India were in Nagpur for this event. Health secretary Punya Salila Srivastava chaired the conclave. "AIIMS institutions form the backbone of India's healthcare system, and young institutes like Nagpur are showing how fast, meaningful progress is possible when guided by clear vision and regional commitment," said Srivastava while addressing one of the sessions. The secretary of the Ministry Of Health And Family Welfare (MoHFW) and joint secretary of Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY) conducted on-ground assessment rounds of AIIMS Nagpur facilities during the conclave. Several models of best practices from AIIMS Nagpur were formally recommended for adoption by other AIIMS in the country. The Day 2 sessions featured focused presentations on governance reforms, hospital services, research, and teaching-learning, with AIIMS Nagpur repeatedly drawing appreciation for practical, scalable, and patient-oriented approaches. Dr Prashant Joshi, executive director of AIIMS Nagpur, said, "We are proud to contribute to the national AIIMS ecosystem from Nagpur. Our efforts are focused on real-world impact — whether it's reducing neonatal mortality in tribal districts or improving everyday patient experience through innovation and transparency. The spirit of collaboration at this conclave is truly a milestone." "This conclave marks the beginning of a unified 'One-AIIMS' culture — sharing what works, learning from each other, and raising the bar together," Dr Joshi added. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The conclave also covered preparedness for cybersecurity and CBRNE (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear & Explosive) threats. Joint secretary Ankita Mishra Bundela said, "This gathering will now become an annual platform to institutionalise learning and innovation across AIIMS across the country. AIIMS Nagpur has set a high benchmark." AIIMS Nagpur's models that received appreciation include: Laundry system overhaul using "Barrier Washer" technology Hospital Management Information System (HMIS) for infection control Digitised patient dietary tracking for hygiene and efficiency Online postmortem report system for faster police / family communication Lifestyle Intervention Clinic and Andrology Lab launched for holistic men's health
New York Post
6 days ago
- Business
- New York Post
NYPD to contract Israeli firm to search deep web for bomb makers
The NYPD is preparing to partner with an Israeli company to scour the deep web for terrorists who want to make bombs, other explosive devices and chemical weapons, according to an official notice online. The two-year, $567,000 deal with Tel Aviv-based Terrogence Global will cover the purchase of 'Explosive Tradecraft Intelligence Reporting Services' that will look for and analyze online conversations in multiple languages, according to the notice seeking public comment. The comment stage is a precursor to a deal. The company provides a tool for searching for online discussions on IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices), bombs and chemical weapons, a police source said. Advertisement 3 The NYPD is entering a contract with a company that will help scour the Internet for threats. AFP via Getty Images On its website, Terrogence says its 'analysts utilize multiple virtual agents (Avatars) to gather information' from the Internet. They agents also 'proactively engage potential threat actors on social media, instant messaging and the Deep Web, and provide the relevant context to mitigate threats,' according to the website. The three-year contract would go into effect Sept. 15 with options to renew through 2033, according to the notice seeking public comment. Advertisement The move to bolster the detection of bad actors online comes as arsonists torched at least 11 marked NYPD vehicles in a Brooklyn parking lot Thursday. Investigators found undetonated explosive devices in the area after two masked suspects were seen running away, police and sources said. 3 The company will search clandestine spaces on the web, according to its website. Gorodenkoff – 3 Shai Arbel is chief executive officer at Terrogence Global, the company that's set to get the NYPD contract. linkedin/in/shai-arbel-7a430b6 The NYPD has been ramping up its tech abilities recently overall. Advertisement Last year the department inked an $383,744 contract to purchase a drone-tracking system. The stationary system uses radio frequencies, cameras and radar to id and follow drones, according to the contract.
