Meet Ainsley
Ainsley, a student at Wolverhampton University, suffered a serious spinal injury from a road traffic accident. The injury left him paralysed from the waist down and needing a wheelchair for the rest of his life. Our serious injury lawyers helped him get interim payments which gave him access to the support and rehabilitation he needed.
The Road To Recovery
Ainsley was invited to take part in the Inter Spinal Unit Games as part of his recovery. The event encourages spinal injury patients to try different sports and meet people with similar injuries. Ainsley won the archery competition and did well in swimming and athletics.
New-Found Freedom
After a friend suggested he try adaptive rowing, Ainsley found freedom and strength he thought he’d never get back. Now, he’s gearing up for his first competition. Pengwern Rowing Club, where Ainsley rows, has embraced adaptive rowing too. It has two adaptive rowing boats and equipment to make it easier for rowers to use.
Looking Ahead
Away from sport, Ainsley's recently moved in with his girlfriend and is starting his studies at university again.
“It was so hard coming to terms with my injuries, but sport has assisted with my recovery and opened me up to a whole new world of possibilities. It has helped me keep fit and meet people, while I’ve also discovered new and unexpected interests.” - Ainsley
Don't Quit, Do It
Twelve million people in the UK have a disability but only one in six takes part in sport regularly. We want this to change.
Our work with people who have suffered life-changing injuries means we recognise the many benefits that physical activity and sport can have. Don’t Quit, Do It showcases how sport helps people recover from serious injuries and other major traumas in their lives.
Find out more about adaptive rowing and how you can get involved.