Rob Groves’ my life has been amazing since I was paralysed

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Instead of letting it destroy my life I have set myself challenge after challenge, So many amazing things have happened to me since I became paralysed that I never dwell on the negatives.

I thought my accident would hinder me a lot but it has been the making of me.

Life changed for me when I went from being an independent man to a paraplegic who had to relearn the simplest tasks such as making tea, and rely on a wheelchair to get around. Eight years ago I had a very serious accident, I remember lying on the ground, unable to feel my legs thinking this is really bad When the specialist told me I’d be in a wheelchair for the rest of my life, I remember thinking: ‘You don’t know who you’re dealing with’

I spent just six weeks in hospital an incredibly short amount of time for someone with my injuries. I was desperate to get out, so I set myself small goals. My focus was on short-term tasks such as learning how to catheterise myself and get in and out of a car. I wanted to be as independent as I could. I’d never had to rely on anyone before and I didn’t want to now.

There was little my family or friends could do to help with the mental challenges I faced. I’d have good and bad days where I couldn’t get out of bed; it could take hours just to get dressed because it meant moving my body into the right position. I’d never suffered depression but I don’t think you can have a spinal injury and not get depressed.

Mystomach had been toned and my legs were strong from years of body building. Now suddenly I had a flabby stomach and weak, spindly legs that didn’t work. None of my clothes fitted me properly either, I would look down at myself and think ‘This isn’t me’. It’s horrible.

Ironically it was getting back into the gym twelve months later it saved me I felt different’ because of my paralysis, but it gave me a feeling of freedom I hadn’t experienced in months. I felt powerful and strong again, not like the weak injured person sat at home doing nothing. I realised then I needed to be active and have something to focus on.

So this year I decided to embark on a 500-mile hand cycle ride, from Scotland to London to raise  funds for Aspire supporting people with spinal injury. The hand cycle is quite low to the ground so you are lying down in it, because I am on the road I always cycle with someone and wear bright colours so car drivers can see me. It’s definitely harder than body building.

In addition to fundraising, I will also use the challenge to increase awareness of spinal injuries. I’m looking forward to meeting as many people as I can on the way to raise money, awareness and offer inspiration for them to go and fundraise themselves.

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