In 1998 I was involved in a road traffic accident whilst riding my push bike to work when the chain snapped and I was thrown head-on into an articulated truck. Paralysed from the waist down (T8), damaging the nerves to my right arm (Brachial Plexus) & rupturing the Axillary artery.

I was at Stanmore Spinal Unit & Haslemere Hospital for just under 2 years going through physio and medical rehabilitation to survive in the community. Whilst at Haslemere I was waiting for building works to be completed at home to be finished to allow wheelchair access. Once I left hospital I continued physiotherapy, working with Richard, Oksana & Jake at the Valentin Dikul centre in Romford. We used a variety of exercises from muscle memory repetitive movements to walking on the tread mill in a harness. I continued working with Jake for many years until he moved to Canada, meanwhile I was using the Integra Power Sport equipment to keep my fitness level up which I still use today.

Our local councillor Jeremy Willings nominated me for the Chichester District Council's Citizen of Courage award for getting on with life & inspiring others that anything can be achieved when you put your mind to it. On the 9th June 2002 I was the winner & collected the award at Chichester District Council's headquarters.

I've been a keen spectator in motorsport since a young age but really got involved when a good friend John started racing caterhams, being a passenger wasn't enough & soon was driving on track days. As a dub fan I used a standard mk3 golf vr6 auto, over the years up rating the suspension, brakes, power & stripping out all the unnecessary bits. The auto gearbox didn't offer full control & looked to see what options were available.

VW were launching a car with a DSG box, an automatic with the characteristics of a manual. After much research on Google I discovered Sam Roach at Volkswagen Racing & he was already building a DSG Golf for Phil Morris. I waited till it was complete & a passenger ride at Donnington Park secured the order.

The golf was tailor built to my disabilities, eventually to be used in some form of competion. I approached the MSA & spoke to David Butler who has helped & guided us through the various requirements. The first was to attend a medical meeting at MSA headquarters; I then had to show I could get out of the car in less than 10 seconds. The first attempt wasn't successful, David suggested a few changes & I'd call to arrange a second visit. A change of the seat, more practice & on the second visit I successfully got out in under 10 seconds. As I didn't have any official previous experience in motorsport the medical advised I would compete in sprinting events for a year.

In 2009 I started sprinting, gaining valuable experience in a completive environment. I've competed in 9 events across the south of England with some respectable results especially in the wet at Lydden Hill, winning my class & 6th fastest overall out of 54, mixing it with the single seaters.

The clerks of the course sent in reports to the MSA to monitor my safety & awareness on circuit. After working with the MSA for 4 years I attended the recent MSA Medical Panel meeting where I was issued with my National B Race License & completed my ARDS course at my favourite sprint circuit Goodwood.

I'm really excited about my first season in the VW championship in the Polizei livery Golf & keep upto date with my progress through the year via the News & Gallery pages.