'Best Thing That's Ever Happened:' Navy Amputee Gears Up For Commonwealth Games
A Royal Navy petty officer is preparing to represent Wales at Powerlifting on the Gold Coast of Australia at this year's Commonwealth Games.
PO Sean Gaffney lost his foot in 1999 when a gun barrel fell on it during training for the Royal Tournament but he hasn't let his injury get in the way of living his life to the fullest.
In 2017 Mr Gaffney took home the title of British Indoor Rowing Champion and in 2016 won gold in the bench press at the Invictus Games.
Now, he's preparing to fly over 9,000 miles to compete in the Commonwealth Games.
"I'm very proud to represent Wales."
Sean spent four months in hospital after contracting septicemia and being told he had to lose his foot otherwise he would have died within two hours of arriving.
Despite this, he still has a positive outlook on life.
"Since then it's the best thing that's ever happened to me."
"I've met people, seen things and done things which I would never have had the opportunity to before."
"It was a bit sad at the time but there was no point dwelling or being negative about it - it's happened, you've got to deal with it."
Since his accident, Sean says he's been given more opportunities and last year took part in the Invictus Games.
"Because of my accident I met my wife. I've been married to a beautiful and fantasic woman for 12 years now - life is good."
The Commonwealth Games will take place on 4th April.
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