Lawyers From Irwin Mitchell Hosted A Boccia Session At Pinderfields Hospital

A former landscape gardener who was left paraplegic following an accident at work has taken part in his first Boccia session with Leeds-based lawyers from Irwin Mitchell. Boccia is a Paralympic sport which can play a key role in rehabilitation and recovery for those who have suffered life changing injuries.

The session was put on to mark Spinal Cord Injuries Awareness Day (May 18th). The day is an annual event, where spinal cord injury charities work together to increase the profile and understanding of spinal cord injuries. Volunteers and trained Boccia coaches from Irwin Mitchell have been running monthly Boccia sessions at the Spinal Injuries Unit at Pinderfields Hospital for two years.  

This year, Tim Henson has teamed up with lawyers from Irwin Mitchell to help support the day by attending a Boccia session at Pinderfields Hospital, Wakefield. The Paralympic game is an accessible and fully inclusive sport which involves players rolling, throwing or kicking a ball towards a jack from a sitting position. If players are unable to throw or kick they can use an assistant and a ramp together with various aids for support.

In 2008, Tim suffered a crush injury at work which left him with spinal injuries. Tim was taken to the A&E department at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary, but unfortunately the hospital initially failed to diagnose the extent of his injuries. He was later referred for surgery following further investigations diagnosed a fracture in his thoracic spine however the operation he was referred for was inappropriate and following surgery he suffered complications. He returned to hospital but they failed to diagnose him. 

Earlier intervention would have prevented the ongoing complications which resulted in paralysis.

As a result, Tim pursued legal action against Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust, the Trust responsible for Huddersfield Royal Infirmary. The Trust admitted a breach of duty, and that if Tim had been treated correctly then he would have avoided a post-operative infection and would not now be a paraplegic.

Tim, 56 from Huddersfield, said: “My accident changed my life. Even ten years on from it, I still find myself having to adjust to new things and adapt my life to my injuries. When the hospital made the admissions to my legal team at Irwin Mitchell I was angry and upset, knowing that if they had handled my care differently, I would have recovered and not be paralysed.

“But thanks to the various medical staff that help me with my recovery. I still attend classes at Pinderfields and Irwin Mitchell staff from the Leeds office attend every month to teach Boccia and asked me to try a session today. It was really good fun, and the social benefits of Boccia are fantastic. It’s a great way to meet different people at the unit. There were others at the session who has suffered spinal injuries, so it was good to share each other’s experiences.

“That is why I am speaking out today in support of Spinal Cord Injuries Awareness Day, to help raise understanding of the spinal cord injuries and what can be achieved after sustaining one.”

While in hospital Tim’s son Mathew who was terminally ill died. As a consequence of the Hospital’s negligence, it meant that he missed spending time with him in the last months.

Tim added: “Missing those last precious moments with Matthew will always be hard to take. I miss him daily, and I am still trying to come to terms with his death. My accident took away those last moments, and that is what helps drive me on now to ensure I do as much as I can, each and every day.”

Tim is no stranger to Pinderfields Hospital as he attends the hospital once a week for a craft class.

Rachelle Mahapatra, who acted for Tim after his accident and heads up the Irwin Mitchell medical negligence team in Leeds, said: 

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“Tim’s story is an inspirational one for anyone who has suffered a similar injury.

“He continues to be active, going to the gym, he still supports his sports teams, plays snooker and going out., His garden was adapted so he can do most of the garden which he enjoys, he still has a work bench and he makes beautiful garden furniture or has made a play house for his grandson he travels extensively with his wife, Jackie.

“At Irwin Mitchell we see the effects that spinal injuries have on people, not just the physical effects but the emotional and mental effects too. There will always be financial needs that have to be met in the claim but it’s also vital that they can achieve things that they want to.

“They may need special equipment or support but many of our very injured clients are able to return to sports and activities that they had enjoyed before. Irwin Mitchell have been campaigning about the benefit of sport through its Don’t Quit Do it campaign, which aims to raise awareness and participation of disability sports across the country.

“We are delighted to help support Tim and Spinal Cord Injuries Awareness Day.” Rachelle Mahapatra - Partner

Irwin Mitchell has a rich Boccia history, the IM Leeds Boccia Club, was established in 2015 by Medical Negligence lawyers Samuel Hill and Lauren Bullock. The club meets between 5pm and 6pm every Wednesday during term time at Armley Leisure Centre in Leeds.   

For more information about the club or the benefits of Boccia please contact Samuel Hill or Lauren Bullock at Irwin Mitchell on 0113 394 6827 or via email at boccialeeds@irwinmitchell.com. 

Read more about Irwin Mitchell's Don't Quit, Do It campaign.