Phillip Eaglesham, from Dungannon, contracted Q Fever while serving in Afghanistan.
The illness resulted in him losing power in his body, confining him to a wheelchair.
He said he was determined to take control and recently competed in the Paralympic games in Rio.
He told Q radio how it started:
He wants to break the stigma surrounding wheelchairs.
Jury sworn in for Noah Donohoe inquest
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Sharing of explicit AI images in Armagh school being investigated by police
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Long-awaited inquest into death of Belfast schoolboy Noah Donohoe due to start
By Rebecca Black (Press Association)
Murder investigation launched following death of man in Coleraine
By Rebecca Black (PA)
Man arrested over threats to elected representatives
By Jonathan McCambridge (PA)
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