An Army veteran who was part of the Lockerbie Disaster rescue effort has spoken of how the harrowing scenes changed his life.
Alan Kennedy had served with the Royal Scots in Belfast and Germany before being sent to help in the aftermath of Pan Am Flight 103 exploding above the town on December 21, 1988.
What he saw that night eventually resulted in him being discharged having served just under three years – and 32 years later he was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder due to what he had witnessed.
The 53-year-old, who is fronting a new campaign from veterans charity Erskine to honour the fallen this Remembrance Day, said: “I was no longer any use as a soldier, I was a mess. As soon as I had the opportunity to leave the army I seized it, I had never been the same, I knew that, and I knew the people around me knew it.
“I had bad nights of nightmares when I was back in Lockerbie again, and always approaching the anniversary is worse.
“I have tried to go back on several occasions to see if I can get some closure but a mile or so outside the town I always turn back. Eventually, in March 2016 I had a massive breakdown.”
Alan became a recluse for two years despite friends and family trying to help. He was introduced to Erskine through the Venture Trust following a week of outdoor activities at Loch Awe.
That gave him a new lease of life as he attended the Erskine Reid Macewen Activity Centre at the charity’s base in Bishopton. He has taken part in Erskine’s Build Your Own Bike Challenge and recently qualified as an archery instructor.
He said: “Joining Erskine was a complete live saver for me. It gave me a purpose in my life. By joining the Erskine Reid Macewen Activity Centre I have discovered a passion for archery – it is my happy place.
“It cannot be understated how much of an impact Erskine has had on my life. I feel fresh and confident, and maybe next year I will get to Lockerbie and find that little bit of closure now that I am on the right path again. I thought my life was over before I found Erskine, now I realise it is only just beginning.”
Erskine needs to raise around £10 million each year to care for Scotland’s veterans. To support its campaign, visit www.erskine.org.uk/futures-for-the-brave
