In October 2024, I suffered a catastrophic fall during a short stay in Somerset with my partner. An ambulance rushed us to Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton, where it was found that I had fractured my spinal cord in the cervical vertebrae region (C5/6) – my neck area. I was initially paralysed below my shoulders, with my hands immobile, although I could, and can, still feel everything everywhere. I would spend the next seven and a half months in a series of hospitals.

I had surgery to stabilise my spine immediately and five days later, a second operation to further secure the damaged vertebrae. The surgeons told us that I had an incomplete spinal cord break (that is, the cord was not completely cut through) and this would be a life-changing injury. The spinal cord does not knit together like a broken bone: it will always remain damaged, and as a consequence, the signals from my brain to various parts of my body will be disrupted forever, although neuroplasticity can enable some repair of the peripheral nerves.

The medical care I received in Somerset was excellent, but my prognosis was uncertain. The recovery from spinal cord trauma is very difficult to predict, and it is an injury that effects almost every bodily function. In the weeks following my injury, standing, let alone walking, sounded unlikely; I was so grateful to the surgeon who thought I would recover some hand function. After nearly two weeks in Taunton, I was transferred to Homerton Hospital in London, where I waited for three months until a place became available at a specialist spinal unit. In November a friend noticed one of my legs moving voluntarily for the first time. More movement followed and eventually, in February 2025, I was transferred to the London Spinal Cord Injury Centre at Stanmore. I spent the next 3.5 months there engaged in an intensive rehabilitation programme. Stanmore is a unique and special place, the very best of the NHS, where I received absolutely outstanding care. Through their expertise my hand function began to return, though it requires daily work, and after eight weeks I was able to walk a few steps with support. With further physiotherapy and hard work, I should be able to walk to some extent, but, in my consultant’s words, I will continue to need a substantial amount of care in the next two years.

I’m now back home where we have made very basic adaptations to enable me to live downstairs; I’m beginning to return to a reduced working life at The Wire and UAL. But my further recovery and chance of regaining independence requires a lot more than the NHS can provide. I’m using the NHS’s basic manual wheelchair, but to move any distance I will need a lighter model with power assistance. I need regular specialist physiotherapy to continue progressing in these critical two years after the injury.

Throughout this ordeal the support friends have given me, Laura and our son Nic has been truly extraordinary: food, visits, massages, expertise and comfort. We’re so very grateful. Disability is expensive, and I am determined to do everything possible to further my rehabilitation. This fund is for anyone who wants and is able to contribute to support me going forwards in this new life, in particular to fund necessary equipment and the physiotherapy which is vital to my continuing recovery. £15,000 would cover the costs of an active wheelchair with power assist to enable me to mobilise outside the house. Physiotherapy costs around £100 a session.

All donations will be received by Aspire – a national spinal cord injury charity who will help manage the fund. As a charity, Aspire will claim any Gift Aid on my behalf, meaning Gift Aid donations will go even further in supporting me. Aspire will receive a percentage of the total fund, allowing them to continue their vital services in supporting me and others like me.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving; they never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they will send your money directly to Aspire.

Thank you all.