Harry Hogg, 92 from Costorphine, and who is a member of Scottish War Blinded recently took a boat trip down memory lane as he took over the wheel of a powerboat on a recent outing to the Port Edgar Marina in South Queensferry.

 

The trip gave participants the opportunity to drive down the river, under the Forth Bridges and out to Inchcolm Island.

 

After being a member of the Royal Navy from 1940 to 1946, the chance to be back on the water provoked a great deal of nostalgia for Harry. He is proud and passionate about his time spend with the navy, stating “I loved the navy, I was always away on training courses and cruises, that’s why I really enjoyed today as it reminded me of what I used to do”

 

Harry is blind in one eye and has restricted vision in the other, but heard about Scottish War Blinded through a friend. He said;

 

 “This place has given me a great uplift, much better than just staying in the house not feeling good. I especially enjoyed this trip but then I try everything they show me. They really look after me here, I’m often on my own and can’t do a lot, but here I have been golfing for the first time, and I go swimming every Friday”

 

Dawn Smith, Rehabilitation Officer at the centre and one of the organisers of the powerboating experience said;

 

 “Activities like speed boating bring our members together to help develop the kind of relationships that people need to support them through the up’s and down’s of life; particularly when that life can encompass visual, physical or mental impairment .  The laughs, the challenges and the learning attached to such activities create opportunities for our members to boost their confidence and self-esteem by participating in such demanding activities”.   

 

If you are interested in taking part in future activities with Scottish War Blinded, please contact the centre on 0131 333 1369 or email enquiries@scottsihwarblinded.org

 

Pictured is Harry at the Port Edgar Marina in South Queensferry.