AS a soldier, Gary Bull travelled the world serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, Bosnia, Northern Ireland and Belize.

But when his health broke down, Gary became isolated.

His world contracted to the point he could not face going out on his own.

Now, thanks to support from the military charity Help for Heroes, and a dog called Isla, Gary is starting to rebuild his fractured life.

Gary joined the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers as an avionics technician and worked his way up to Staff Sergeant.

His job was to ensure the Apache helicopters were fit to fly.

It was a crucial role but Gary was quick to commend the troops on the ground, saying: “I was always so grateful of them as they paved the way for the rest of us.”

But in 2009 Gary’s life changed forever.

He went out for a run, as he did each day, and twisted his neck. He dissected his right vertebral artery which led to his first stroke.

While he was in hospital, Gary had a second, more violent stroke.

He also developed a visual impairment and half his field of vision went in both eyes.

He also has poor vision in low and bright light.

Gary's world fell apart.

The father-of-two became overwhelmed by anxiety and stress.

He developed a stutter and his cognitive skills slowed down considerably.

He became more forgetful and regularly got lost.

In the end, Gary, who is 46, felt it was easier to stay at home and he became isolated and lonely. Gary also developed disinhibition and emotional lability.

Disinhibition means he cannot filter inappropriate or offensive thoughts, which has led to embarrassing moments, further adding to his anxiety.

Gary’s emotional lability means he cannot control his emotions and would get extremely angry quickly or would burst into tears simply because he said goodbye to someone.

Gary's personality had changed beyond all recognition.

His wife, Jo, said: "Gary was no longer the man I married. I lost my husband and gained a teenager."

But Gary was determined his disabilities, both physical and mental, would not beat him.

He said: “I didn’t hope I would get better, I knew. It was never a question of if, it was when. And seeing other guys learning to walk at Headley Court, the MoD rehabilitation centre, gave me the inspiration to push myself."

Gary was thrown a lifeline when he was introduced to Isla through Guide Dogs.

She memorises routes so Gary doesn’t get lost and she keeps him safe.

The two are inseparable. Gary said: “I can’t rest unless she does and vice versa.

"She is always watching and looking out for me."

Gary's confidence soared and he now visits the Help for Heroes recovery centre Chavasse VC House in Colchester.

"When we stay at Colchester, it is so welcoming and we both feel relaxed that we can both have a break.”

Gary also wanted to run again and the recovery centre's health and physical wellbeing advisor has analysed Gary’s gait and is supporting him through physical exercises.

Gary said: "My balance is definitely better since my gym visits.

"I was playing football in the garden with my son and we both noticed an improvement.

"Hearing my son say I’m getting better was just great.”

Gary has come a long way.

He now accepts his conditions and has come to terms with living with the psychological and physical impairments.

Socialising with fellow injured Band of Brothers at the recovery centre has also inspired and encouraged him.

He said: "Help for Heroes has given me a place to come where I can rest and reflect on where I am and how far I’ve come in a peaceful setting.

"I have learnt to accept the person I am and luckily I have Isla to share all this with.”

The smallest achievements are the greatest victories.

“Getting on a bus to Colchester was a huge issue for me because of my anxiety.

"But after speaking with my fellow Band of Brothers who also have psychological issues, they inspired me.

"I saw their strength and so I decided I would get on a bus and it was a success."