Almost 9 years ago I dived into a shallow river, broke my neck and nearly died.

This accident has left me paralysed from the chest down with partial use of my arms and hands. I really thought my life was over and I'd never experience anything good again.

This happened when I was 21 years old, independent and about to travel the world, suddenly i wasn't going anywhere and totally dependent on everyone around me. The doctors said I'd probably never be able to feed myself let alone anything else.

Determined to beat that prognosis I have spent the last 9 years fighting to regain as much independence as possible and live as full a life as I had done if not more than!

Today I can happily say I live on my own, drive myself about, have held several jobs and am about to go back to college to study. I still need a little care each morning but all in all this is a massive achievement for someone with my level of paralysis.

I would not be where I am today without the support and love of family, friends and so many people that I have met on this challenging journey, among those people are 2 very, very special and worthwhile charities these are Motivation and The Back Up Trust (www.backuptrust.org.uk).

I first met Motivation about 6 months after my injury in Zimbabwe (where I used to live). They had travelled from the UK to the small rehab center where I was. They really opened my eyes to a different way of life and taught me quite a few of the vital skills that I needed to move forward, and I still use them today!

A few years later I met The back Up Trust here in the UK. I went on a 1 week multi activity course in Devon with them and I was instantly hooked on this charity, they again showed me how to open doors in my life that I never imagined were even remotely possible for people in my situation. Since my first course i have gone on to do several more and now I volunteer as a wheelchair skills trainer and have supported several other fundraisers of theirs.

Both of these charities are truly incredible and the work they do is literally life changing! I am living proof!

On the 27th of July i turned 30 years old! As it is a big birthday I thought the best way i can celebrate is to give my birthday to Motivation and Back Up, so instead of a wild party and all of you spending money on presents, food, alcohol, taxis and all those other things that we pay for for a few hours of fun i would like you to be honest and give what you think you'd have spent at my BIG PARTY!

As if thats not enough a good friend of mine Jackie O'brien will be turning 50 years old!! and in support of my plea she has decided to do the same thing, no big party just lots of money to support the life changing work of these 2 charities

To top it all off both Jackie and I will get into an aeroplane, travel to 13000 feet and jump out!! yes we are both going to do a tandem skydive, I think we're both totally insane and i'm quite nervous to say the least! so if our big birthday gift isn't enough to get you to realise the worth of Motivation and The Back Up Trust then surely speeding towards the ground at 120m/ph is!!!

Any and all donations are welcome my mum, gran and I have each put £30 into the pot as its my 30th. Anyone who wants to match or better my £30 go on I dare you :) :)  

As I'm sure you can tell this a personal event in my life so please help me make it a special one!

Love Dave & Jackie.  

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

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