I was told that I would never walk again and now I am trekking for Parity for Disability.

On 20 April 2013 I will journey through Morocco from the edge of Africa’s Sahara desert, to the peak of Mount Mgoun, the second highest mountain in the Atlas Ranges. 

Almost 10 years ago to the day, at the age of 20, I was in a coma for two months following a horrific accident in 2003 when I was hit by a motorcycle. My family received the worst possible news: due to brain damage suffered in the accident, I would not walk again and was expected to lead a dramatically limited life. My throat was partially paralysed and I had lost the ability to breathe, speak and eat as well.

However with a lot of hard work and determination, I have spent the last 10 years working to regain as much of my strength and physical and mental ability I can. As a keen rugby player at Kingston University at the time of the accident, I was no stranger to grueling workouts, but after my accident they took on a whole new meaning.  A combination of tough exercise and regular physiotherapy has gradually rebuilt my strength, although my balance is still affected and I need someone with me when I go out. I still have problems with short term memory but, with help from speech therapists, I learnt to speak again.

Today, I spend time every day at the gym and will always need regular physiotherapy. Though my right side and overall balance is still affected, I am lucky enough to be in good physical condition and expect to do more than just keep up with the other trekkers on the Parity team.

“We were told not to expect much, but Phil and the whole family simply wouldn’t accept that,” my Mum Sue recounts. “Everyone needs a purpose in life and now Phil’s challenge is to raise as much money as possible for Parity whilst stretching what he loves and needs to do, working out, to the limit.”

Phil is taking on the challenge to raise funds for Farnborough-based Parity for Disability, who provide services for people with profound and multiple disabilities.

“I’m lucky in that my recovery from the accident has been much greater than the doctors ever thought possible. Now I want to help others who have multiple disabilities and this is an opportunity to do that in a way that will stretch me as well, taking me right out of my comfort zone”  

Parity must raise £150,000 each year to keep going, and hopes to raise £10,000 with this event. In the difficult economic climate, support from the community is even more crucial to the charity, whose highly specialised services for profoundly disabled people with complex needs are not available anywhere else in Hampshire, Surrey or Berkshire.

“A trek is a life-changing and hugely rewarding challenge. Everyone who takes part in a trek for Parity comes back with amazing stories and a real sense of achievement,” said Parity Fundraising Manager Helene Abbiss.