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Back in March 2007, a friend of ours, Dan James, had an injury at a routine rugby training drill. Dan was a lively and aggressive young player who had often sustained knocks!

He was taken to an A+E Department of the nearest General Hospital via ambulance. He had full hand mobility at this point and I'm sure it was human instinct for him to keep moving the bits of his body that he still could. He should never have been allowed to do this.

Dan had been given one X-Ray when he arrived he was transferred off the spinal board and onto the X-Ray table and turned and held on his side so an X-Ray could be taken from behind, his neck was supported with a collar, blocks and tape while someone tried to keep his head still. The X-Ray proved inconclusive and an hour later this whole process was repeated and we were told these X-Rays were also inconclusive.

Dan was told that the knot in the back of his scrum cap was digging into his head and ironically whilst his clothing had been cut off him his head was lifted to remove his scrum cap despite the fact Dan had a broken neck.

It was then decided that Dan should be given a CT Scan, something which doctors have since admitted would have been a more appropriate early course of action. However, this would not take place until the next morning as there was no one available. It was only following some pleading by the family that it was agreed that the radiographer should be called.

The CT scan revealed Dan had dislocated C6 & C7 vertebrae and that his spinal cord was kinked! 

It is the hope of his family that if the public becomes familiar with Dan's story that no other spinally injured person or their families will be left wondering! Sometimes damage is instant, irreversible and complete, however good the initial treatment. In less complete injuries correct intervention and treatment can make a real difference.

Dan later died in September 2007.

In July 2011, Jamie Hood & I undertook the cycling of John O'Groats to Lands End for Spinal Research in the memory of Dan James. This summer we are going to cycle from London to Africa, aiming to complete the feat in under 3 weeks.

We are looking for any help we can get financially as we are seeking a much higher target of money raised this time. Please please please dig deep and give as much as you can for this fantastic charity - If you are struggling with money even the smallest donation will be greatly received. At the risk of getting sued by Tesco "Every little helps!"

Thanks for reading.

Tom