Dad-Of-Two And Military Injury Lawyers Support Major Awareness Campaign

A former airman who had his left foot amputated following an injury has revealed his determination to “look to the future” after lawyers secured him a settlement.

Richard Davies was participating in a cargo moving exercise while stationed in Cyprus when he had an aircraft engine transportation trailer towed into the back of his left foot.

He underwent a four-hour surgery to reconstruct his foot, which had collapsed in on itself.  He then travelled back to the UK where he had 12 weeks off for recovery.

Over the coming months, Richard, of Norwich, continued to suffer pain and discomfort.  His foot also became infected twice.

Medics tell airman he needs foot amputated

Around two years after the incident which happened in May 2019, Richard was referred to a surgical team.  He was told that he would need to undergo amputation of his foot, either then or sometime in the future.

Following the prognosis, Richard, 37, instructed expert military injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help him access the specialist support, therapies and rehabilitation he requires.  He underwent below-the-knee amputation surgery in July 2021.

Richard is now joining with his legal team in marking Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month by revealing how he refuses to let his disability stop him from living life.  It comes after his lawyers secured him an undisclosed settlement from the Ministry of Defence which will help fund his lifelong care and treatment and meet his prosthetic and housing needs. 

Richard, who has gone on to win four gold medals at the Invictus Games, is also part of Irwin Mitchell’s current Imagine campaign. The law firm is sharing client stories on those who’ve experienced a life-changing illness or injury, focusing on how they’ve worked through obstacles and challenges to help them start to imagine what’s possible.

Invictus Games gold medallist taking on world record attempt

He is now training to be part of a world record attempt later this year, entitled The Limbitless Expedition World Record Trek.  It involves taking on The Snowman Trek as the first and fastest amputees to do so, with Richard’s legal team supporting him by helping to fund equipment for the challenge.

Simon Harrington is the specialist military injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Richard.

Expert Opinion

“Richard’s life has been changed forever by the terrible injury he suffered while serving in the Military and his story is a stark reminder of the need to ensure the safety of our service personnel.

“However, he continues to be a huge inspiration to everyone with the way he’s courageously moved forward with his life without letting his disability define him. He’s made excellent progress with his recovery.

“It’s such a privilege to know Richard and I’m so proud of how far he has come. Of course, he still faces many challenges ahead, but we’re delighted to be a part of his journey by helping him access the specialist life-long support he needs.

“I can’t wait to see what Richard goes on to achieve next.” Simon Harrington, Military Injury lawyer

Limb Loss And Limb Difference Awareness Month: Richard's story

Richard, originally from Cardiff in Wales was a keen swimmer at the age of 15, but gave it up to focus on his career.  He joined The RAF as a Ground Support Engineer and General Technician in 2009 when he was 21.

Richard was 10 years into his service, and had been promoted to the position of Corporal, when he was injured while based at RAF Akrotiri.

Following the 12-week recovery period, Richard returned to The RAF on crutches and also attended a two-week residential rehabilitation centre.

In June 2020, he had surgery to remove one of the five pins in his foot.  However, it failed to improve his condition and led to him having amputation surgery.

Richard lives with his wife Toni, 36, his son Rhys, six, and three-year-old daughter Paige.

Dad-of-two reveals surgery gave him his "life back"

He said: “I tried pain therapy and took medication, but nothing worked; I was constantly in pain.  Just wearing shoes was uncomfortable and my foot hurt even when I laughed.

“I found myself being short and snappy with my family and I was upset and fed up of missing out on quality time with them.  So when I was told I would need to have my foot amputated at some stage, I decided to have it done as soon as I could.

“The surgery, in some ways, gave me my life back. Of course I had to adapt how I did things, but it’s become easier over time and I want to make others aware of what’s possible when you put your mind to it.”

Richard always wondered whether he should have continued swimming, and applying for the Invictus Games in 2023 was his way of putting his “demons to rest.”  He went on to win four gold medals in four swimming events.

At the same games, he was awarded joint sixth place in rowing, setting a new personal best.  He also came ninth in archery, and is currently undergoing a trial in the sport with the aim of competing at the Paralympics in Los Angeles in 2028.

Richard doesn’t stop there. In October, he’s also taking on The Snowman Trek in Bhutan with a fellow military amputee, Rich Potter, 39.  It’s thought the challenge will take around 32 to 35 days, with the pair hoping to raise £100,000 for the Royal British Legion and Blesma, the limbless veterans charity.

Richard speaks out on hopes for the future

Richard added: “I’m enjoying life again and I can’t wait to see what it brings.  After winning four golds in swimming, I decided to hang up my trunks as I don’t think I could improve on that.  I’m now into my archery and snowboarding.

“Rhys is also a fan of archery and when he turns seven, he’ll be able to join the same club as me.  It’s a great father and son bonding experience for us both.

“My injury put an end to my military career and I missed it for a long time.  But now I know there are so many other opportunities for me out there and I feel like I can look to the future with some certainty and security.

“The settlement has also helped pay for a bungalow and car to suit my needs, as well as prosthetics and wheelchairs.  I can live life knowing me and my family are looked after.”

To find out more and donate to Richard’s trek, visit Rich Davies is fundraising for Blesma The Limbless Veterans (justgiving.com)

Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month runs throughout April. It aims to highlight the impact of such conditions and how those affected are rebuilding their independence. The charity Steel Bones supports amputees and their families. More information is available on its website.

Find out more about our expertise in handling military injury cases at the dedicated section on our website.  Alternatively, to speak to an expert, contact us or call 0808 271 9815.