AS an RAF servicewoman, pushing herself to the physical limit was part of daily routine for Helensburgh woman Louise Copeland.

The RAF driver had been used to taking on the challenges of her job and life with ease.

But when a freak traffic accident as a passenger on return to base cost her much of her sight in 2004, even tasks as simple as crossing the road seemed at one stage an insurmountable.

Aged 24 and medically discharged from the armed forces, Louise was left recovering in hospital and unsure of what to do next.

She said: “The accident and losing part of my sight was a shock. I felt very alone.”

However, since the accident Louise has received ongoing support from charity Scottish War Blind, which as reported in last week’s Advertiser, is to set up a support service for veterans in Argyll and Bute.

The charity has not only helped Louise regain her confidence, but supported and motivated her to get back to doing some of the things she enjoyed before – including painting.

Louise has now converted her attic into an art studio where she creates and displays her work.

“I’ve always been creative and I liked to paint in my spare time and now I’ve realised that I can still do it and I’m back enjoying it,” she explained.

The charity has also encouraged Louise, who only has 50 per cent of her sight in both eyes, to get back out into the community, teaching her how to “scan” the area when she is crossing roads and making her way through large crowds.

The accident also left Louise unable to drive – something unthinkable to her before that devastating day – but determined not to let the injury stop her, she got behind the wheel of an articulated lorry off-road in an effort to show she still “has it”.

She explained: “I wanted to prove to myself that I could still do it and I did. I’d even consider doing the experience again.”

Not prepared to stop there, Louise is also training to tackle a five kilometre run in support of the Scottish War Blind.

She has been training once-a-week with Chris Bowman, from Chris Bowman Fitness, who will take on the distance at her side as a guide.

Together the pair will tackle the 5k distance in Edinburgh on Saturday, May 27.

Louise said: “The charity has done a lot to help me and now that I am more able bodied I wanted to give back.

“I have been upping my fitness with the help of Chris who has been great at keeping me motivated and encouraging me.

“We have found a system that works for us and we are covering the distance at a good pace.”

Chris Bowman is a big supporter of Louise, and thinks that it is fantastic she is taking on the challenge.

He said: “It’s amazing to see Louise back out running, training has been good fun.

“Being her guide means I just have to be aware of what is around her and notify her of any obstacles. Louise has a good mindset and she has been working hard, she is determined and not only can she do it, she will do it.”

The Scottish War Blind support veterans with sight loss – including those who have lost their sight later in life.

Louise said: “Our walk of life sets us apart and it is hard for other people to imagine what we have been through.

“The support from the charity has given me back my determination and now I remember that I can, I will and I’m going to.”

Louise has set up a JustGiving page to fundraise for the 5k, to support her visit justgiving.com/fundraising/Louise-Copeland