GROWING UP
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David spent much of his childhood moving from home to home and as a result attended 6 different schools, leaving with basic GCSEs and intent on going straight into full-time employment to create a better life for himself.
David grew up in council housing, often living in areas where crime was normalised. His friend was imprisoned for a life term, and his brother kept finding himself on the wrong side of the law. While David kept himself out of trouble, this was not always easy, as a life of crime could have easily led him astray at any moment. |
Joining The Army
At the age of 24, David decided a positive change was needed in his life and decided to join the British Army. Having completed initial training, David found himself at the start of a 14 week intensive course where he would learn to not only ride a Cavalry horse but also look after and clean all of the equipment that came with it. David quickly found himself posted to Knightsbridge barracks in London, where he would go straight into a ceremonial season full of pomp, pageantry, and working hours that were incomparable to anything in civilian life. Having escorted Her Majesty the Queen Elizabeth II on numerous state occasions such as the State Opening of Parliament and Trooping the Colour, David was achieving things personally and professionally that meant he was flying higher than he could have ever imagined.
In October 2011 David was struck by a vehicle, leaving him in an induced coma with a brain injury, with doctors telling his family members on numerous occasions to say their goodbyes. He awoke 7 weeks later missing a large portion of his skull and facing medical discharge from the Armed Forces and of course now a disability that would change his life forever.
In October 2011 David was struck by a vehicle, leaving him in an induced coma with a brain injury, with doctors telling his family members on numerous occasions to say their goodbyes. He awoke 7 weeks later missing a large portion of his skull and facing medical discharge from the Armed Forces and of course now a disability that would change his life forever.
Fighting Back
David then found himself surrounded by consultants at the Ministry of Defence rehabilitation centre in December 2011, Headley Court neurological unit, where he was asked "What do you believe are your problems and what can we do to help you, David?" to which his reply was "I'm fine and will be home for Christmas thank you".
While denial was clearly present, David's attitude meant that despite the hurdles he had to navigate he found himself being released and sent home 2 days prior to Christmas day and back in work in January 2012, less than 4 months after his accident, still missing approximately 45% of his skull.
2012 presented new challenges for David who refused to be housebound, and after urging Army doctors to let him back to work managed to secure himself 4 hours work per week, giving him that vital window of opportunity to fight for his Army career.
It was as a result of his refusal to give up that David was selected for a starring role at the 2012 Paralympic opening and closing ceremony. His journey up to this point and indeed today is one of true inspiration. David has beaten the odds to become the person he is today and he now takes every opportunity to share his experiences and help inspire and empower others.
While denial was clearly present, David's attitude meant that despite the hurdles he had to navigate he found himself being released and sent home 2 days prior to Christmas day and back in work in January 2012, less than 4 months after his accident, still missing approximately 45% of his skull.
2012 presented new challenges for David who refused to be housebound, and after urging Army doctors to let him back to work managed to secure himself 4 hours work per week, giving him that vital window of opportunity to fight for his Army career.
It was as a result of his refusal to give up that David was selected for a starring role at the 2012 Paralympic opening and closing ceremony. His journey up to this point and indeed today is one of true inspiration. David has beaten the odds to become the person he is today and he now takes every opportunity to share his experiences and help inspire and empower others.