Allan lost his leg in March 2006 when a fork lift truck ran over and crushed his leg at work. Prior to this in 2003 he nearly lost his left hand after a D.I.Y accident - his hand was saved by re-attaching it to his arm.

Whilst in the Royal Navy Allan did First Aid and fire fighting. His hobbies include driving, football, rugby and computers where he has gained accreditation in an ACDL computing course. He also enjoys time spent with his grandchildren.