Paralysed to Paralympian: the strength of support following a spinal cord injury

Despite being an avid sportsman growing up, injuries and illnesses were never really something I encountered. I acquired nicknames such as ‘Roy Keane’ when I played football and ‘McCarry’ when I played rugby. These nicknames usually arose from my love for getting stuck in and putting my body in places most wouldn’t. At age 20, my whole life changed. Without warning, I collapsed on 3 June 2017, later diagnosed with a complete spinal cord injury at my 10th thoracic vertebrae. After months of medical appointments, doctors identified a neurological condition called transverse myelitis that causes inflammation around the spinal cord. I was left paralysed, losing the use of my legs, most of my core muscles and control over my bowels and bladder. I couldn’t stand or sit unassisted. I couldn’t take myself to the toilet. I realised that there were so many of life’s simple pleasures that I had taken for granted. I was scared. I felt vulnerable, and, ultimately, I believed that I wasn’t worthy of living life anymore, often thinking the world would be a better place without me in it. What I didn’t realise was that my spinal cord injury was the start of an undeniable purpose, showing the world what is possible in the face of adversity. This purpose was born at the WheelPower Inter Spinal Unit Games (a competition that gives people the opportunity to try new sports following a recent spinal cord injury). Initially, I struggled with para-sports because I had such fond memories of playing sports before my injury. That was until I was asked to compete in the para powerlifting event on the last day. I won and instantly fell in love. Ultimately, para powerlifting saved my life. Not only did it allow me to go toe-to-toe with …