A DECORATED war hero has become an award-winning business owner after being left homeless and battling post-traumatic stress disorder.
Jason Cowan’s world collapsed after leaving the army following a tour of duty in Afghanistan.
After returning to Glasgow, he found himself with no money, support or a place to call home.
Despite putting his life on the line for his country, the 31-year-old said when he reached out for help he was met with a wall of silence.
After years of struggle, Jason finally managed to rebuild his life and now runs one of Scotland's most successful plumbing firms.
He has shared his story exclusively today with the Glasgow Times in the hope of helping others facing hardship realise there can be light at the end of what can sometimes feel like a dark tunnel.
He said: “I saw a lot in Afghanistan, and some things are hard to forget. The army had always given me stability and structure but once I left, that all disappeared.
“It was a huge adjustment to go from fighting on the frontline for your country to having nothing and basically having to beg for help. I had nowhere to stay, no family to turn to and at times my situation felt desperate.
“I remember reaching out to a charity for some help and their response was so cold. It was a case of 'what do you want us to do?'
“I had no idea how difficult it would be adjusting to civilian life. I went from being awarded a commendation for bravery for what I did in Afghanistan to having no routine and sleeping wherever I could find.
"People couldn’t understand how I felt after being in a war zone and I didn’t really know how to open up or express my emotions in the right way.
"I felt like I had no purpose and no direction. At that point in my life, I was completely lost.”
Jason finally found support from Glasgow-based charity Helping Heroes and took steps towards piecing his life back together.
READ MORE: Glasgow City Council criticised by charity for bus lane fines
He completed a plumbing apprenticeship and was finally able to cope with his PTSD.
Jason went on to set up award-winning Notorious Plumbing Glasgow and now owns the home of his dreams in Hamilton. While juggling a packed schedule, the kind-hearted dad-of-one devotes his spare time to helping others who are struggling to survive.
We previously told how he came to the aid of Isabella Graham after the 72-year-old spent two years without heating or hot water. After hearing of her plight, he supplied and fitted a new £5000 boiler free of charge.
READ MORE: Glasgow pensioner who helps the homeless had no heating for two years
He added: "As soon as I heard about Isabella, I knew I had to help. She couldn’t go on living like that and now she has a warm, comfortable home. It was the least I could do because I had been in her situation.
“I dread to think where I would be without the help I received. I've gone from not having a roof over my head to running a successful business that I've built up from scratch. I’d never have thought that was possible after leaving the army.
“My life is now worlds apart from where it was. I’m very fortunate that I was able to change things for the better.
“My take on it is that people should do more to help at every opportunity - everyone should clap for someone else.
“I’m proof that you can change your life and turn things around. Sometimes people just need help to reach their full potential.”
Jason says that growing up in poverty in the East End of Glasgow also helped to give him the determination to strive for a better life.
He added: “We had no carpets in the house and I went to school with holes in my shoes. We were skint, and it was something I was very aware of. Growing up in Glasgow in the 1990s was tough for many families.
“I always said I’d work my way out of that situation and that was why I joined the army in 2010. I learned so many life skills in the forces and morals that I still have to this day.
“Anyone can turn things around, sometimes people just need a bit of self-belief. I work hard and make sure that my standards are second to none.
"I hope anyone who is perhaps struggling right now will read this and realise that there is a way out - and that there is always hope."
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