I take risks. It’s a part of everything I do – paragliding, motorbikes, travelling, adventures all around the world. Something can go wrong at any point. People used to say, “it’s only a matter of time”, until time caught up.
My name is Cameron, and I’m 32 years old.
Before my injury, life was busy in the best possible way. I travelled a huge amount and worked abroad, which naturally fed my love of adventure and exploration. Family has always been incredibly important to me too, so whenever I wasn’t off somewhere new, I was spending time with them.
I worked as an expedition leader for a local company, taking groups of young people overseas to work on community projects in developing countries. We built all kinds of things, but what stayed with me most was watching the transformation in the kids – seeing their confidence grow and their sense of purpose change as they realised what they were capable of. It was an amazing thing to be part of.
Outside of work, adventure was still very much my thing. I spent my free time travelling on motorbike expeditions and paragliding all over the world. Taking risks was part of the lifestyle I chose, and I always understood that.
On the 3rd of July, that risk became reality. I was paragliding locally, close to home, when I fell out of my harness and landed on my head, sustaining a spinal injury at T10. It was a shock, there’s no denying that, but I’d always known that with the sports I loved, something could go wrong. This injury has changed my life, but it won’t stop me living it. Things might be slower and more complicated, but my lifestyle isn’t over.
Home for me is a small town called Ringwood, just down the road from the spinal centre in Salisbury. I’ve been in hospital for just over three months and am now preparing for discharge. My journey started in Brighton, where I was first taken after the accident. It’s a beautiful hospital – the views over the sea were incredible, and being able to look out at that made a real difference. I was later transferred to Southampton, where I spent just over two months. The view was very different, but the staff there were exceptional, and that kept my spirits high, along with the other patients around me.
Hospital life has its ups and downs. The food isn’t exactly five-star, but it keeps you going. What really made it enjoyable for me were the people – fellow patients, staff, and the friends and family who came to visit. Despite everything, there were moments of laughter and connection that I’ll always remember.
My family have been there from day one. My sister has been with me every single day, without fail. Their support has been incredible. Of course, they’ve had good days and bad days – adjusting to something like this is hard for everyone – but they know my mindset, my determination, and that this isn’t a stopping point. They’ve supported me in every way they can.
My friends were the same. The first time some of them came to visit, they were completely speechless, which was unusual for people who normally never struggle to talk. Once they processed what had happened and understood the journey I was on, they were amazing – full of encouragement, support, and new goals to look forward to.
I first heard about Horatio’s Garden during my first week in Salisbury, although I was on bed rest at the time and couldn’t visit straight away. After a week confined to my room, I was finally able to come down to the garden – and it was incredible. After being cooped up for so long, even a small touch of nature felt powerful.
I still remember that first moment clearly: rolling down the corridor, the doors opening, and seeing greenery ahead of me. I don’t think I’ve ever moved so slowly in my life – but that was part of the beauty of it. Taking everything in, watching the bees, feeling nature unfold around me – it was a really special moment. So close to a hospital, yet such a peaceful, almost sacred space. Knowing I had that safe place made a huge difference.
Coming to the garden became part of my daily routine. Most mornings I’d come down on my own, listen to music, have a cup of tea, and just sit quietly for 20 or 30 minutes. In the afternoons, I’d meet friends and family there. It’s a much nicer space than the ward – welcoming, cosy, and calm. Whether inside or out, rain or shine, there’s always somewhere to sit, tea and coffee on hand, and usually a slice of cake waiting.
The cake might actually be my favourite part – there’s always so much of it, and it changes every day. I’m not ashamed to say I keep coming back for that!
I also joined in on a few workshops in the garden. Doing something creative with your hands changes conversations in the best way. Instead of focusing on problems or negativity, you end up talking about lighter things, brighter things. It’s engaging, fun, and when you’re finished, you’ve made something you can give to someone else – and that feels really good.
Horatio’s Garden hasn’t just helped me; it’s helped my family and friends too. It’s a space where we can relax, talk properly, and be uninterrupted. We’ve had some really beautiful, honest conversations there – about emotions, fears, hopes – in a place that feels safe and calm. It gives everyone a bit of greenery, peace, and quiet in what can otherwise be a tough environment.
Some of my favourite memories are the lighter moments – racing wheelchairs around the garden, picking apples from the tree, laughing over tea and cake. One friend was practising wheelies in his chair and confidently announced he’d “absolutely nailed it” right before falling backwards. It was hilarious, and moments like that stay with you.
Looking ahead, I’m focused on discharge and what comes next. The goals might sound ambitious, but why not aim high? Paralympics, world records – let’s see how far we can go. Life might look different at four feet tall, but that doesn’t mean it’s smaller.
If I could say one thing to anyone going through something similar, it would be this: keep your head up as best you can. There will be hard days and good days – embrace them all. Feel every emotion, process it, and move through it. That’s how you build resilience.
Horatio’s Garden has given me the space to do exactly that. Being surrounded by nature has been incredibly important for my rehabilitation and my peace of mind. It’s a beautiful place, one that I’ve absolutely loved, and I truly believe it should be used to its full potential. Enjoy the little things. Enjoy the space. And just be present.