In 2005, Army Combat Medic, Chris Flanigan was on yet another training exercise in the UK. During his time in the Army, Chris had become used to the many training courses and exercises and in fact, he had come to enjoy them. He was very proud to be a Soldier and even more proud of the vast knowledge he had gained in his trade as a medic. He knew that all the training he received would one day give him the ability to save lives

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However, this was to be Chris’s last training exercise of his career as a Soldier.

 

During the exercise, Chris was severely wounded and received life-changing injuries to his spine. Chris woke up in hospital to his worst nightmare; he was quadriplegic – very limited or no use or feeling of his legs, arms or torso. With all Chris’s advanced medical knowledge, he simply describes this moment as “not a good day out!”

 

Chris spent the next 3 years in various care centres and specialist hospitals. Three years as a fully fit and operational combat medic trapped inside a body that no longer worked. Chris’s future looked bleak to say the least.

 

However, with typical military grit and determination and a refusal to be beaten, Chris pushed on with the endless hours of painful physiotherapy and very slowly, he began to regain more feeling in his hands and arms. Chris also received help and support from the military charity community and set himself a goal of being able to give something back by becoming a volunteer and using his experiences to help others.

 

In 2010, Chris achieved something that most of his care staff never thought possible – he became a full-time volunteer for PROJECT 65 – The Veterans Charity. Against all odds, Chris has regained a fully independent life. Although now confined to a wheelchair, Chris is more determined than ever to do his bit to help others.

 

 

As part of his punishing rehabilitation process, Chris spends many hours in the gym building strength and stamina.

 

Chris has now set himself another goal.......................

 

To be the first disabled participant of THE FORCES MARCH, one of the UK’s toughest challenge events covering over 130 miles in just 5 days across North Devon, Exmoor, Somerset and Wiltshire. Chris is aiming to raise over £1000 from this one event alone and he is already hoping to be able to compete in many more challenge events to raise money to help troops, veterans and forces families.

You can follow the highs and lows of Chris’ training by signing up for email updates from his blog:  http://wheelchair-dice.blog.co.uk/