I lost the use of my legs about 7 or 8 years ago and I went to hospital. They were going to operate as they told me I had cancer but then the tumours seemed to shrink. I had to go to the James Cook Hospital to learn to walk again, but I went back to work. Two years ago they had to operate because the tumours had grown again and then all this happened.

It’s difficult to explain how I felt when I was told I had a spinal cord injury. I thought I would be able to walk again - because I’d done it once, so I could do it again. It’s made me think about the kids and what could happen to them.

When I first had the operation, my life changed drastically. I was in a negative place as I wasn’t able to do normal activities anymore, like taking my kids to school, and I was dependent of my wife for everything.

Our day-to-day life wasn’t normal anymore, we all had to give up our normal lives. We gave up going out as much with our children because I struggled with hills and my wife had to push me. It just became frustrating for me. I had met loads of people in the same situation as myself with power add-ons but didn’t think I could get something like that, and then we finally found Aspire Grants.

I heard about Aspire from Cyclone Mobility when I was looking into the power add ons. During our first conversation with Anita, Aspire’s Grants Officer, we explained how much of an impact this would have in our lives, and she understood. Anita was always so helpful and patient with us, and from day one she provided support to get me the Tri Ride.

I cannot express how thankful I am. My wife is now working a full-time job and I’m back doing school runs. My children are obsessed with the “scooter” and everywhere we go they always ask for a “lift.”

Daily activities that I once took for granted which were then taken from me, I’ve got back again. Since I have got the Tri Ride, I am able to go the shopping for milk at night or go up steep hills around parks without anyone pushing me, which has had such a positive impact on my mental health and my family life. Little things like this made my life “normal” again, despite my spinal cord injury.

I am very thankful to the Aspire for the grant and especially to Anita for being so supportive and for helping me to gain my independence back.

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