I’d always lived a busy and physically active life running an international firework display company and managing a small farm with my wife where we keep cattle and horses. But in a split second, everything changed. I was cutting down a dead tree when it suddenly collapsed, leaving me with a broken back, scapula and nine broken ribs.
I remember very little of the hours that followed. I was taken by helicopter to King’s College Hospital and placed in a medically induced coma. This had a huge impact on my family, as it seemed that I might not make it through. Slowly, but surely, I came round and was eventually moved out of intensive care.
When I was offered a place at the National Spinal Injury Centre, I was soon able to explore the garden I’d heard about from friends. From the moment we arrived, we were blown away. The garden was easy to get to, with welcoming staff and volunteers, and it was modern, with soft furniture, vibrant colours and the biggest variety of tea I’d ever seen! More than that, it felt like a living room I could invite people to or a home away from home.
Staying by my hospital bed all day was beyond me. I’d built my life around hard work – producing firework displays often late into the night and as Deputy Leader of my local council – and I was determined to keep going. Leading virtual meetings from the ward wasn’t easy, but Horatio’s Garden made it possible. Of all the places I might have expected, the greenhouse gave me the quiet, safe space I needed to speak to clients and discuss sensitive information. It’s helped to keep my brain engaged so I can progress through rehab in a strong, positive manner.
Socially, the garden is a sanctuary. Away from the hospital, my wife and I can have dinner together or host friends. We often find kindred spirits to chat to, as everyone’s there for the same sort of reason. The whole place has helped my recovery immensely and helped reduce my stress levels.
There’s a lot to process after an injury like this, but the garden has allowed quiet contemplation away from the rush and noise of the ward. It’s fair to say that I retired the moment I was injured and so I’ve had to change my attitude towards life. I’ve got a lot more time for leisure and aspire to continue my hobbies – flying, motorcycling and skiing – using adapted equipment. Through a chance meeting here, I’ve met someone who shares the exact same interests, showing how the conversations fostered in the garden can lead to a whole new friendship.
The future’s feels quite bright, quite daunting, and quite annoying in equal measure. Where I’ll end up, I have no idea, but I’m going to give it the best go.