Man Left Paralysed From Waist-Down Following Crash That Occurred In February 2016

A Wolverhampton man, who suffered life-changing injuries in a car crash two years ago, has spoken out on the importance of disability sport in rehabilitation as he stars in a new campaign to raise awareness.

Ainsley Sinckler-Campbell, 23, was a student at Wolverhampton University when he suffered a serious spinal cord injury in a road traffic collision in February 2016. The accident took place on Croft Lane, in Brewood.

After being trapped in the vehicle after the accident for over two hours, Ainsley was treated Royal Stoke University Hospital where he underwent surgery. He was diagnosed with a bleed on the brain, multiple rib fractures, fractured shoulder and punctured right lung, as well as his spinal cord injury.

Ainsley’s injuries meant he was paralysed from the waist down and would require a wheelchair for the rest of his life. 

Following his accident, Ainsley and his family instructed specialist serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell. His legal team have since helped to secure interim payments ensuring he was able to access a range of support, including adapted accommodation and transport, case management and a number of therapies. 

As part of his rehabilitation progress, Ainsley has taken part in the Inter Spinal Unit Games. The event allows spinal injury patients to sample a range of different sports and meet other people in their position.

The Games had a huge impact on Ainsley, and he had a huge impact on the Games winning the archery competition. He was also recognised for his abilities in swimming and athletics, as well as practicing wheelchair basketball.

Ainsley, who was studying interior architecture and property development prior to the accident, said: “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.

“When I got to the Inter Spinal Unit Games, I only knew the staff from the unit I was on. It was a great opportunity to meet people who were in the same boat as me. It was really good and made me feel that I wasn’t the only one.”

A big moment in Ainsley’s story is when a friend suggested he try out the adaptive rowing sessions at Pengwern Rowing Club in Shrewsbury.

Since first trying it out in May 2017, Ainsley’s has been an ever-present at every adaptive rowing session held there. In that time, Pengwern Rowing Club has also embraced adaptive rowing. The club now has two boats for those with disabilities and a member has also invented equipment to make it easier for Ainsley and other rowers in his position to access them

Ainsley added: “Sport for me means independence. When I’m rowing it is often peaceful and calm on the water, but ultimately the responsibility of getting up and down the river rests with me. I love that sense of freedom and I never thought I would be able to say that again after my accident.”

Ainsley is now also getting involved in Irwin Mitchell Don’t Quit, Do It campaign which seeks to raise awareness of the benefits both physically and psychologically of being involved in disability sports and is supported by multiple gold-medal winning paralympian Hannah Cockroft MBE and British number one wheelchair tennis star Alfie Hewett.

Cathy Leech, a partner and the serious injury expert at Irwin Mitchell representing Ainsley said: 

Expert Opinion

“Twelve million people in the UK have a disability but only one in six takes part in sport regularly..

“Our work with people, like Ainsley, 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. It does not have to be competitive; the social and physical benefits of sport are manifest at all levels of participation.

“Everyone has a story and Ainsley is a prime example of the huge difference that disability sport can make to so many lives. He has faced an incredibly difficult few years but sport has helped improve his well-being and confidence.” Catherine Leech - Partner

Ainsley is still making progress in regaining his independence as he continues his rehabilitation

Ainsley said: “There’s a long way to go, I know. But I am excited for the future. I am resuming my studies at University. I also want to try as many sports as possible. 

“I’ve recently joined a wheelchair basketball club and I am really enjoying that too. Don’t Quit, Do It is the perfect motto for my attitude since finding disability sports.” 
 
Discover more about Irwin Mitchell’s Don’t Quit, Do It here.