Triple amputee now 'happier than ever'
An amputee who lost an arm and both his legs in a failed suicide attempt said he has been given "a second chance" to dedicate his life to helping disabled children.
Craig Bowler tried to take his own life by climbing a 30ft electricity pylon and he survived a 30,000 volt shock, but was left severely injured and doctors were unable to save his limbs.
Despite the trauma of living through the electrocution, Mr Bowler, a former bricklayer, told the Chronicle & Echo he was far happier now than he ever had been.
The 29-year-old has now launched a campaign to raise money for Operation Sunshine, which gives support to children and adults with physical and mental disabilities.
He said: "If I could go back and still have my arms and legs but live the life I had before, I wouldn't do it.
"Being an amputee hasn't stopped me doing anything. I got down on one knee to propose to my girlfriend, Abby, at Christmas, and although it took me about an hour to get up again, it was worth it.
"I had suffered from depression for years; there wasn't any specific reason which made me decide to do it. The doctors told me it would take me two years to learn to walk, but I did it in six weeks.
"I think it was because I had a really positive mindset after that. I realised I'd been given a second chance and I wanted to do something with it. There's no way on earth I'd do something like that again."
After his failed suicide bid, on January 16 2007, Mr Bowler, of Olney, spent two weeks in an induced coma and did not realise he had lost his legs until three days after he woke up.
While recuperating, he met his now fiancee, Abby Williams, 22, who is due to qualify as a physiotherapist next year.
Miss Williams said: "He's got a lot of determination and that's how he's made such a quick recovery. I'm proud of him."
Mr Bowler will take part in a two-and-a-half-mile walk around Olney to raise money for Operation Sunshine on Saturday, June 21.
8& Sponsor him at www.operationsunshine.org or call 07912 026069 to offer a donation.
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