Page 21 - QARANC Vol 20 No 3 2023

ask, ‘what is it?’ I’ve been able to spread the word about the Association.”
Mary is now training for a possible place in the 2024 Paralympics. She also plays lawn bowls for the National Scottish Para Bowls Team and is coaching badminton to disability youngsters once a week, which she admits “gives me such a buzz, and for them to have smiles and to give you a big hug makes it all worthwhile”.
Having divorced many years ago, Mary met Judy in 2002, who is now her wife, and has supported her throughout her various endeavours. Mary’s MS is progressing, but much slower than it would if she were not so active in sport, she says.
Mary has also found work as a Mental Health Specialist Mentor for Glasgow University and Edinburgh University students who are on the autistic spectrum, have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or depression and anxiety, helping them to cope with through university life and their assignments.
Mary concludes, “I think when I was first diagnosed with MS, I thought of people that I nursed with the condition and they had been bedridden with catheters, and basically waiting to die. I thought, ‘I am not going to be that person,’ and something inside me clicked.
“I believe the Army had a lot to do with it. As a recruit in Basic Training, we were broken down, both physically and mentally, and then we were built up again and taught how to survive. It made me a resilient, determined, and stronger
person.”
Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing
Corps is very close to Mary’s heart. She has made friends for life while serving and is proud
to have served.
Mary Wilson was interviewed by Gazette editor Steve Bax