'I lost a leg but gained a new life'
DESPITE losing a leg, breaking his neck, suffering numerous other injuries and almost dying, Stephen Timblin doesn't feel any ill will towards the IRA bombers who changed his life forever.
Stephen had only joined the Ulster Defence Regiment a few months when on the night before his birthday, 16 years ago, he was heading back to camp after a routine patrol.
In a two-car convoy he approached a set of temporary traffic lights on the Killylea Road in Armagh.
As soon as the Land Rover which Stephen was in stopped at the lights, the Mark 16 mortar bomb – a new weapon at the time – was fired at the wheel arch of the vehicle, blowing it to pieces.
Two soldiers were killed, another has a disabled arm and Stephen's right leg was blown off, leaving him with a 9in stump.
Lying in the wreckage with a broken neck, a bleeding limb and his body armour pushed up against his throat making it difficult to breathe, Stephen thought it was the end.
"I was conscious throughout it. I just thought I was going to die," he said.
"The other Land Rover came up to us and I remember telling one of the guys to tell my wife and children that I loved them.
"I was terrified – I was screaming with pain.
"I was a full-blown drinking and swearing soldier at the time and I don't know why I said it but I just remember screaming and asking Jesus to save my life.
"Immediately after I said that, the blood stopped and even though I was still screaming because of the pain, I knew I was going to be OK."
After spending 16 weeks in hospital, Stephen came out a reformed person and his first port of call was the local Church.
"It's the best birthday present the IRA could give anybody," he said of his near-death experience.
"I always say a millionaire could buy you a car but they couldn't give you the gift of eternal life.
"There has been a complete change from the kind of person I was then to the kind of person I am now.
"I haven't swore or taken a drink in 16 years and it's great."
But the aftermath of losing a limb isn't easy. Stephen suffers from phantom limb pain – and even with an artifical leg he can only walk short distances.
To aid in this he was recently given a mobility scooter through the Royal British Legion.
"Not only was I given the scooter but I also got a three-year service plan and insurance for it," he said.
"I am so grateful."
Having the scooter has increased Stephen's quality of life, giving him the ability to accompany his wife and four daughters when they go shopping and giving him added independence in his day-to-day life.
"It's wonderful and I really do appreciate the Royal British Legion for what they have done for me."
Speaking about his IRA attackers, Stephen said he forgave them a long time ago, describing unforgiveness as a "cancer".
"It's like a small spot or a pimple – you don't notice it at first but then it starts to grow.
"It grows very quickly, like a cancer and you lose part of yourself."
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Weather for Belfast
Sunday 27 May 2012
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Temperature: 13 C to 23 C
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