paralympic-sailor

Living with Spinal Injury

I've been asked to add a section on my experience of surviving a serious spinal injury and give other information for those whom may recently have been injured.

Living with a spinal injury is not easy - but it is possible in many cases to live a full and enjoyable life. I think that the key is focusing on goals and being adaptable. I started with short term goals - learn to dress, gain strength etc, to long term goals - get married, plan for a family, become world champion etc. I've adapted to help me meet my goals and now my life is very enjoyable and full - yes it's different to how it once was but not necessarily any worse - just different.

My accident in 1999 left me permanently paralysed from the mid chest (T5 complete) down. I fell 150 metres and did a massive amount of damage to my body and spent 3 weeks in intensive care. It was expected that I would not survive at all and if I did then I would have limited capacity for independent living. I am how however fit and strong and 100% independent.

There is lots of information on the web on spinal injuries. I will however continue to publish details on my story. If you are reading this and are recently injured or know somebody that is please feel free to email.

Spinal Injuries Association

SpinalNet

My Daughter - Arabella Rose an ICSI IVF baby