b'14 Member News March 2021Career supportRichards Foothold storyI graduated from university in 1989 with a degree in Electronic Engineering and spent the first years of my career working for a LASER firm. During this time I also qualified as a Chartered Engineer with the IET. Life was good, my career was progressing, and I was a proud dad to my son James. But in July 2000 everything changedI dived into my next-door neighbours swimming pool and broke my neck. This left me paralysed from the neck down. I was only 33 years old. In the blink of an eye my life changed forever. It took me a long time to fullyterrifying. It was a dark time inA colleague mentioned toexample, I never ever thought come to terms with thingsmy life. My local village wereme that as a member of theId go on holiday ever again. and accept that life wasincredibly supportive thoughIET, Foothold may be able toComing out of hospital after now completely different.and were trying to raise fundshelp. The level of support thatthe accident was scary but it Fortunately, I managed to pullto buy a wheelchair adaptedthe Foothold team offeredwas all about the little steps. through and get on with life.vehicle for me; a toughby funding the substantialWhen I got my PhD, I wasnt Ive had a lot of support fromchallenge for a small village. remaining deficit for the vehiclegoing to attend the ceremony, Foothold to make that possible.Living in such a rural village,was absolutely astonishing.as it was set to take place Coming home from hospitaltaxis werent always available,Having a wheelchairin Swansea. But Foothold after the accident waslet alone accessible.adapted vehicle had provedorganised for me to go - that transformative for me.was my first day away. Thanks to my carer Sue, who is willing Not long after the accident,to tackle the planning, Ive my marriage broke down andtravelled to places in the UK I had to sell my home. Theand abroad that were beyond funds I had werent enough tomy wildest dreams. get anywhere else to live at the time, and I had no chance of getting a mortgage. Again, Foothold was there to helpThis support has with funding for a bungalowgiven me a fulfilled which has been adapted for melife I would never, to get around in a wheelchair. It transformed my life, and theresever have otherwise. no way it wouldve happenedWe all have our down without Footholds support.days because thats My life turned upside down inlife, but theyre few many ways, but in other waysand far between.I have been so phenomenally fortunate, and Foothold hasIm phenomenally been a huge part of that. Thefortunate and extra bit of financial supportFoothold has been I get means that I can go out and make friends or have aa huge part of meal out every now and then,that. Its been life-and live quite a normal life. Andchanging, really.under the circumstances, one could say a charmed life! For If you or someone you know could use some practical, financial or emotional support, please get in touch with Richard, his carer Sue and Richards son James.Foothold on myfoothold.org/contact-us'