AN inspirational Millport man says sport has given him a 'new lease of life' after a horror car crash on the Haylie Brae ended with his leg amputated.

Jim Thomson, 75, lost the lower half of his limb seven years ago when a car smashed into him as he stood by the side of the road.

He was airlifted to Inverclyde Hospital where doctors fought in vain to repair the damage.

Jim told The News that he was unaware his leg was going to be amputated until he woke up and it was no longer there.

The pensioner, who owns the Millport Gallery, was determined the life-changing tragedy would not define the rest of his life.

Within one year he was back on his feet and on the golf course, getting involved with the Scottish disability golf and curling teams.

Jim says they have given him the chance to travel the world competing - most recently winning the Phoenix Cup for Scotland against Europe.

He said: "The night of the accident I had been driving a delivery van over the Haylie Brae when the load in the back became loose.

"I had pulled over to the side of the road to try and make sure it was secure.

"A police car had also pulled up and the officer had offered to try and help me.

"He said that he would turn his car around and alert traffic to the fact I was pulled over up ahead.

"As he drove back down, two cars came up over the hill.

"One of them was trying to overtake the other. The first driver saw me but because the second was trying to take him on the inside and didn't see me.

"I was standing on the grass verge and that was where it hit me.

"I had to wait for an air ambulance to come and airlift me to to the hospital. It was horrible.

"It was two days later they amputated my leg, but I had no idea what was to happen because I was on so many drugs. I woke up and my leg was no longer there.

"It took a lot to get used to. You have to see physios and psychiatrists and try to come to terms with the fact you've lost a limb."

Jim was determined to rebuild his life following the accident and turned to sport.

Competing with Scotland has given him the chance to visit America, Canada and countries all over Europe. Meeting up a few times a week, the group welcomes people of all disabilities and ages.

He added: "I have a new lease of life.

"It is an absolutely incredible thing to be part of and privilege to meet people from across the world with varying disabilities.

"I play golf alongside people who are double amputees, in wheelchairs or are blind. The shots they are still able to hit is absolutely incredible.

"The golf season runs during the summer months and then in winter months we play curling at Hampden.

"Our most recent competition was the Phoenix Cup, which seen golfers with disabilities from countries including, Germany, Holland, Ireland and England, travelling to Cardrona to play.

"Next year' competition will see us play the USA and we will be at all of the top Scottish courses, including Gleneagles and St Andrew's. The social aspect is fantastic and I have made lifelong friends from it."

While Jim is fully in the swing of the demands of the golf course, he is equally at home on the ice.

He added: "In the curling team I am the only one who stands, the rest are in wheelchairs.

"We don't use brushes for sweeping, which means it actually requires a lot more skill."

Jim's sporting prowess doesn't end there, and thanks to the 'Find Your Feet' charity for amputees, he has also participated in race car driving and is hoping to join the sailing crew of a tall ship next year.

He added: "The charity is incredible, they have so many activities for you to get involved in like swimming and there was even skiing last year."