One of my first memories after my accident is lying in a hospital bed with the slow realisation that something was wrong. I felt frustrated by the slow pace of life in the Spinal Centre and eventually discharged myself early.

Just over a week after going home, I had an epileptic fit which meant that I lost my driving licence for 12 months. There I was, home alone and unable to drive. Buses and trains were not accessible so I pushed myself everywhere in my wheelchair.

If I had the chance to go back in time, I'd decline

I noticed early on that, when out and about, people would watch me. Although a bit disconcerting, in many ways I was used to this; as a policeman people always gave me a second look and when on my police horse I was often the centre of attention. I persuaded myself that it was just because people were interested that they watched me, not because they thought I looked a freak.

I went back to work and for the first year I was at a local police station answering non-emergency calls. Then I moved up to Scotland Yard answering 999 calls and working on the main radio channels. A change in policy forced me to retire, but luckily I got a job straight away as a civilian doing exactly the same thing. Unfortunately it was for less money.

Whilst still in hospital my thoughts turned to sex or the future lack of it. If I couldn’t even walk, how was I going to have sex? No woman would ever be attracted to me. But then I met Susie and we got married. Susie already had three small children and bringing them up would be a challenge for anybody. Surprisingly though, I seem to have found it no harder than anyone else would. At no time has my disability been an issue.

Of course I do miss some things; Susie and I occasionally say how nice it would be to go walking along country tracks rather than pavements and I miss being able to ride my horses like I used to. There have been times I haven’t been able to share some things with the family, but these occasion are few and far between and far outweighed by the positive experiences.

I can honestly say that my life has never been better and, if offered the chance to go back in time, I would decline. I simply can’t imagine myself being this happy.