Story
Henry’s Story:
On November 15th, 2022, I became an upper limb amputee after being involved in an accident whilst working in the Northern Territory, Outback Australia on a Cattle Station. It wasn’t the end to my travels as anyone expected but what’s most important now is building a strong foundation for both my physical and mental recovery. After graduating in 2020 from Cardiff Metropolitan University and Covid guidelines being lifted, I was finally able to fly out to Thailand on the 19th of January 2022 which marked the start of my year abroad travelling Southeast Asia and then progressing to New Zealand and Australia. In the 11 months of being away, I met amazing people, experienced new cultures, foods, and activities which all aided my personal development and view of the world. For the last 3 months, I set out to work on a Cattle Station in the Northern Territory; an amazing experience where I learnt so much about working with cattle and station life.
As I approached my last week before heading on to Perth, I was involved in a serious accident and was flown 500km with Care Flight to Royal Darwin Hospital where I underwent emergency surgery which resulted in the amputation of my lower left arm.
After what was the best year of my life, arriving home in the winter months was extremely difficult. Not knowing another amputee and where to even start on my road to recovery…this is where the Amputation Foundation came in.
The Amputation foundation (AF) provide new amputees with the best possible start post amputation.
The AF were able to connect myself with fellow amputees which has been a pivotal part of my mental recovery. The AF also provide support groups and weekly meetings enabling discussions of daily challenges and ways to overcome these. Furthermore, they provide events which give opportunities for many amputees too meet up and to share experiences. Not only did AF provide vital support to myself but also helped my family understand what was to come and were a point of contact whilst I was still in Australia.
It is important to recognise the care and support I received from an incredible charity, as I truly don’t know where I would be without them.
Cardiff Half Marathon:
On Sunday the 1st of October myself and 20 of my close family/friends will be running the Cardiff Half Marathon on behalf of Amputation Foundation.
Our aim is to create awareness for the Amputation Foundation and their continued support for amputees all over the country.
Any donations you can give will be massively appreciated.
Henry
