AN AYR bowler has been selected to represent Team Scotland at the Commonwealth Games – an incredible 28 years after his last appearance.

Garry Hood, who plays at Craigie Bowling Club, has had quite a journey since his last Commonwealth Games appearance.

He finished seventh in the men’s fours at Victoria 1994, playing alongside the legendary Willie Wood.

Garry, who is originally from Mauchline, was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome in 2015, which is a condition when your body’s immune system attacks your nerves.

The condition then attacked Garry’s respiratory system and he ended up on a life support machine.

After spending 11 months in hospital, Garry then had rehab and spent 15 months in a wheelchair.

It wasn’t until around three years ago that Garry turned to para bowls, and then shortly after he was invited into the Bowls Scotland’s high performance squad, which has led to him being chosen to represent his country in Birmingham.

The 60-year-old also lost one of his eyes in a classroom accident when he was 15.

This led to him taking up bowls back then in an attempt to strengthen his other eye.

Garry is now hoping that his story can encourage other people not to let an illness or condition take over their life.

He said: “I’m always in a lot of pain, and I still need a crutch to walk, but I’m determined not to let it get the better of me.

“There’s a lot of pain and stress involved as well, but I’m very determined. I can’t believe I’ve been picked to go back to the Games.

“I decided that there was two ways I could go. I could sit about the house feeling sorry for myself, or I could get up and get on with it.

“I hope something like this can show people with other conditions that it doesn’t have to be the end of the world and there is still a life to live beyond that.

“I’m so grateful for the support I’ve had throughout my journey, it’s really meant a lot.”

Garry will be partnered by Kevin Wallace in the B6-B8 Men’s Pairs, who is also returning for a second Games with Scotland.