Optical Express Cumbernauld has given a much needed confidence boost to a heroic Scots soldier injured in Afghanistan ahead of being awarded the Queen’s Gallantry Medal next month.
The store has donated a pair of Oakley sunglasses and a pair of transition frames to Lance Corporal David Timmins, 29, who was seriously injured while working as part of an IED team tasked with clearing roadside bombs in the Helmand Province in March 2009.
In a bid to improve his self esteem having been left with a number of facial injuries including the loss of an eye and facial nerve palsy, a condition which produces weak muscles of facial expression, Lance Corporal Timmins approached Optical Express.
Lance Corporal David Timmins of 11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps, said:
“I am absolutely delighted with my sunglasses and transition frames from Optical Express. It was so kind of them to support me in my recovery.”
“I received serious facial injuries in a bomb blast in 2009 and although my recovery is going well, I am very aware of my disfigurement. I have been left with a prosthetic eye and damaged facial nerves in the right-hand side of my face. The glasses will help to distract from my injuries, help boost my confidence and help me to lead as normal a life as possible.”
Optical Adviser, Heather Alum said:
“As soon as I heard Lance Corporal Timmins’ story I instantly wanted to offer him our help and support. He is a truly heroic soldier and has shown real determination and bravery while serving in Afghanistan and also in coming to terms with his injuries and subsequent recovery.”
“It is vital that as a nation we respect and support our service personnel as the role they play abroad must not be underestimated. Lance Corporal Timmins is one of thousands of soldiers to return home from war injured and I hope the glasses will help him in his rehabilitation.”
Lance Corporal Timmins’ make-over comes just weeks before he is due to be awarded the Queen’s Gallantry Medal. Recognised for his bravery in administering First Aid to a colleague in a separate incident, Lance Corporal Timmins has been invited to Holyrood Place on the 13th July.
Father to a two year old boy, Lance Corporal Timmins has spent the last year in rehabilitation following the incident which left him in a coma for 12 days. He is currently based at the Army’s personnel recovery centre in Gilmerton, Edinburgh.
Together with five colleagues who were involved in the same blast, Lance Corporal Timmins plans to cycle from Lands End to John O’Groats next month. They are raising money for BLESMA, a national charity for limbless serving and ex-service men and women and their dependants and widows.
