At age 26 in 2010 I was a firefighter in Sheffield, married with a four-month-old daughter and I sustained an injury after a fall at a barbeque in my parents’ back garden. This injury resulted in me breaking my neck leaving me paralysed from the chest down and with little use of my hands.

After overcoming the horrific news of my paralysis and understanding I’d live the rest of my life in a wheelchair, I was focused on becoming the best I could be. I also had a second daughter after my accident which many people think is not possible.

Having to retire from the job I loved, I spent more time playing wheelchair rugby. This improved my physical strength and also helped improve my mental strength. This has allowed me to go on and accomplish many more things than I originally thought were possible.

After gaining all these life skills and experiences I wanted to give back to those who needed it most, like I did in the early days of my rehabilitation. I volunteer my time to work for the Spinal Injuries Association. Here I’m able to help face to face with newly injured patients and importantly family and friends who are left feeling helpless.

Over the years, I have played in five European Championships, two World Championships and two Paralympic games (Rio and Tokyo). We were the first European team to win gold at a Paralympics and I’m proud to captain this medal winning, record breaking team.