One jump can change your life forever… for good and for bad. For many of us it’s the first time we are in the sky, the freefall gets into our heart and stays there and we know from this first second out of the plane that we need to be here, to be in the sky as much as we can and we are never the same; a skydiver is born. Our focus, our time, and certainly most of our money go to this passion.
However, sometimes there are moments in skydiving when one jump can change your life for the worse, a moment you can’t turn back from but wish you could forget. Sadly, one of those rare bad moments in our sport happened to Ben White.
##Paraplegic
British Silver medallist in freestyle, just four weeks out from the World Championships, Ben had a terrible accident; an accident that not only meant he couldn’t compete but that he could no longer walk. He broke his femur, 6 ribs, 5 vertebra and most horrific of all, he crushed his spine, leaving him as a T9/10 complete paraplegic. This means that he can no longer feel or move anything below his belly button. Ben knew straight away that he couldn’t feel his legs, but he hoped it wasn’t true. Unfortunately after 5 months of hospitalisation, operation after operation and rehab, Ben has had to face his new body and his new life.
##Incredible Spirit
Ben has an incredible spirit and has continued to smile throughout this whole process; he is determined to make the most of his life regardless. His energy, determination and positive approach was recognised by the staff at rehab resulting in Ben being chosen to attend the Inter Spinal Unit Games in April. He wants to get on with his life as best he can and to find new passions, and as many moments to smile at as he can.
#Wheelchair-friendly Home
However, since coming home Ben’s spirit is being tested. A place that should be his safe haven is proving to be anything but, as his house fights him at everything he wants to do. Together we are finding temporary solutions but ultimately he needs to adapt his home to be accessible for a wheelchair user. This is why I have turned to our friend’s, our family and our skydiving community for help. I started a charity page to raise funds required to do essential work to Ben’s house to give him his independence back at home.
##One of Life’s Greats
Ben White is one of life’s truly great guys; he has won my heart and has the love of so many others. He deserves our help, but you also deserve to know him, your life will be better for seeing his smile. Here are some examples of how fantastic the support has been from all sorts of places…
##Phone Line
Big thank you to Ben’s old work mates Will n Buzz, who came over n moved the phone line & broadband point to the other side of the house so it wasn’t in the path of Ben’s wheelchair. Not only did they do this in the dark & freezing cold but they did it for free too. Ben really has such great friends.
##Wheelchair Ramp
I really don’t know how to thank Fletchy enough! In 4 days he measured up, made, and fitted a custom designed & built permanent ramp for Ben for FREE! I can’t tell you the difference it makes that Ben can get out of the house by himself whenever he wants. We are so happy & in such huge debt to our amazing n’ generous friend Fletch. xxx
What so many people have done for Ben and I is more then we could expect or even hope for. We are so very lucky in our friends.
#Would you like to help?
- Donate: Youcaring Help Ben White
- Join our Facebook group: Help Turn Ben’s Luck n Life Around
- Share this article
Look out next week for the second part of Ben’s Story
Ben Leaving the House for First Time on His Own, after friend Fletchy installed a ramp
