Marathon man's athletic achievement in the face of adversity

A Kirkcaldy resident, who lost the use of his right arm in a motorbike accident, has gone on to be selected to represent Great Britain in the 2015 International Paralympic Committee (IPC) World Championships.

Derek Rae's motorbike was in collision with an articulated truck on his way home from St Andrews in June 2010.

He suffered a brachial plexus injury, which affected the nerves in his right arm, as well as bruising and swelling to the brain.

After three operations, Derek now has "very restricted use and movement" of his right-arm. He is unable to lift a cup and has had to learn how to use his left-hand to perform tasks such as writing.

Despite the life-changing personal injury, he has gone on to compete in a number of marathon events, including the Edinburgh marathon and 2014 Virgin London Marathon.

This year he will join the Great Britain and Northern Ireland marathon team in the T46 class for Track athletes with upper limb disorders and amputation.

Ahead of the IPC World Championships taking place in Doha, in October 2015, Derek will run 26.2 miles at the Virgin Money London Marathon alongside other team members. The event takes place on 26 April 2015.

Derek puts his achievements down to attitude.

"I think I have kind of made the most of the situation I was presented with," he says. "I never chose to be in this situation, but I have just sucked it up and got on with life. That's kind of the attitude I have always had."

If successful in Doha, he could return to Scotland a Paralympic medal holder.

As for further plans for the future, Derek remains tight-lipped.

"There is more to come," he told the Herald Scotland, "But making my goals public would put on extra pressure."

Thompsons Solcitors wish Derek the best of luck in his upcoming events.