I sustained my spinal injury when I was 53 when a tree fell on me.  Before this I would say my life was fantastic. I loved my job as a farm manager and pioneered a lot of new farming techniques, which led to exciting opportunities to speak all around the world. I also started an advisory business and co-founded a carbon trading company. In my free time I enjoyed a variety of country sports.  

After my spinal injury my first thought was that my life was over. All my friends and family were devastated and could not believe it had happened.  It has impacted not only my life but those around me and has affected some of my relationships, showing me who my true friends are. 

As of September 2024, I have been in hospital for six months. My time in hospitals and rehab has been a mixed bag, with some great moments but also some difficulties.  I met Miranda, Aspire’s Independent Living Advisor in the Oswestry Spinal Injury Centre and we were able to talk about how life can continue and that there is light at the end of the tunnel. She is such an inspiration.  Her advice has been extremely useful and informative. If I had not met Miranda, I do not feel I would have as much knowledge to help me move forward and know that there is life after a spinal cord injury.

Aspire has helped me see that I can live more independently and that has helped to prepare me for leaving hospital. Miranda has given me the confidence to hit the ground running!  Her support has been brilliant and has really helped me on the road to recovery.

Photo from left: Head Gardener Alex, Gardener's World presenter Carol Klein, Tim and James Alexander-Sinclair, Garden Designer (Horatio’s Garden in Scotland).

Aspire would like to thank The Eveson Trust for their ongoing support of Aspire’s Services at the Midland Centre for Spinal Injuries. Their generous grant will support patients undergoing rehabilitation on their journey from injury to independence.

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