I will take a seat due to my significant lack of motivation. Reflecting on the purpose of creating lasting memories, I have dedicated considerable time over the past decade or so to contemplating this matter. I vividly recall a particular vacation in Germany where I had the opportunity to learn how to ski once again. While situated in my wheelchair adjacent to the hotel's swimming pool, a strong desire to immerse myself in the water gradually consumed me. After gazing at the pool's alluring depths for what felt like an eternity, I carefully maneuvered off my wheelchair using my posterior and gradually approached the water's edge. I could sense the gazes of onlookers fixated upon me, likely noting my disheveled appearance. As I surreptitiously slipped into the water, the glances turned elsewhere and conversations resumed. My presence beneath the surface eluded them, prompting me to seize the chance to attempt swimming a length. Although the pool spanned a mere 15 meters, my journey involved a fair amount of disorientation and even a brief struggle to keep afloat. Nevertheless, I persevered and reached the other side. At that moment, having completed a 30-meter swim, I felt thoroughly fatigued. However, I recognized the potential for improvement and realized that with diligent training and increased strength, this activity could become a viable pursuit.
To comprehend the circumstances that led me to my current predicament, it is necessary to retrace my steps over the past five months. During that time, I was employed as a combat medic with the Coldstream Guards in Afghanistan. It was on the fateful day of October 26th, 2009, when my life took an irrevocable turn. I vividly recall awakening at approximately three o'clock in the morning. We were about to depart from the safety of our compound for an extended patrol lasting three to four days. Rousing myself from slumber, I hastily gathered my equipment, including my weaponry, body armor, and helmet. Being considerate of my comrades, I endeavored not to disturb their rest. Preparing breakfast for myself, I organized my belongings and donned my gear. Subsequently, I proceeded towards the main entrance of our compound, where I awaited the arrival of my fellow soldiers. In Afghanistan, it was customary for us to traverse the terrain in single file. We trailed the individual leading our formation, whose responsibility entailed wielding a metal detector and making consequential decisions regarding our route. However, our departure that morning suffered a delay due to the interpreter's decision to prioritize his repose within his sleeping bag. Consequently, we set off slightly later than planned. As we embarked on our journey, I found myself positioned in the middle of the column, likely the eleventh or tenth individual. It was roughly 150 meters beyond our patrol base that an improvised explosive device, cunningly concealed, was triggered. The resulting blast flung me skyward, only for me to subsequently crash back down to the ground, rendered unconscious. Amidst the haze of dust, smoke, and the cacophony of gunfire, I gradually regained consciousness. As my senses returned, several pressing questions occupied my thoughts: Was I injured? Were any of my comrades harmed? Could I administer aid? Though it felt like an eternity, these moments of introspection transpired in a matter of mere seconds. Upon regaining awareness, it became painfully evident that my life had been irreversibly altered. The force of the explosion had dislodged my pants and trousers, severing my right leg entirely. My left leg, too, had sustained severe damage, rendering it beyond salvation. Additionally, I bore several other injuries, including a broken and dislocated arm, which rendered it useless for supporting my weight.
I was in a significantly distressing condition, and at that particular moment, I found myself lacking any priority. I was positioned at the lowest rung of the priority ladder. Eventually, a plan was formulated to retrieve me, and it was determined that the current location offered limited assistance. Consequently, I was placed on a stretcher and transported towards a patrol base, where they initiated life-saving measures through the application of tourniquets and bandages. At this stage, a medical emergency response team had already been summoned to collect me via a Chinook helicopter, featuring two propellers, which had already taken off to retrieve an Afghan national soldier who had sustained gunshot wounds. Due to the severity of my injuries, the helicopter was redirected solely for my benefit. I distinctly recall the helicopter's touchdown and the subsequent process of being transferred onto it. The flight to Camp Bastion was brief, and upon arrival, I was transferred from the helicopter to an ambulance. During the short drive to the emergency department, I recollect being disoriented by the bright lights. As I was transported into the facility, I vividly remember the clinical team, comprised of doctors, nurses, and medics, rapidly converging upon me, akin to a team of locusts, meticulously assessing my bandages and tourniquets. I was being readied for surgery, and that is essentially the extent of my recollection concerning that Monday morning. On Tuesday, I returned to the United Kingdom and underwent further surgical procedures at the Celio Hospital in Birmingham. The subsequent surgery took place on Wednesday while I was in an induced coma. I regained consciousness on Friday to find my wife standing at the foot of my bed, accompanied by a nurse. My arm was immobilized, and my vision was blurred, yet I was aware of my precarious condition. However, amidst this adversity, I reassured myself that things would eventually improve. To express my gratitude in the only way possible, I attempted to communicate with the nurse beside me. Initially perplexed by my gestures, she sought clarification from Marissa, who explained that I was attempting to initiate a high-five. Consequently, over the course of the following five weeks, I remained hospitalized, undergoing numerous surgeries. This extended period of hospitalization afforded me the opportunity for contemplation and introspection.
Regarding the matter at hand, I can provide insight into my thought process. Allow me to clarify what I did not contemplate. My reflections did not encompass the reminiscence of my cherished Game Boy, an item of great personal value that I diligently acquired by means of saving funds, even though it rarely departed from my grasp during my childhood. I did not contemplate my initial mobile phone, likely a Nokia model of some description, nor did I give consideration to my laptop purchase or any of the automobiles I have owned throughout my lifetime. These possessions, in their entirety, failed to occupy even a fraction of my contemplation during that period, thus illustrating a distinct lack of importance placed upon material possessions at the time. Upon reflection, I contemplate a memorable experience from my youth as a Boy Scout, where I acquired the skill of abseiling in the vicinity of Portland Bill, near Weymouth. I vividly recollect the day's remarkable warmth as we engaged in a friendly competition to ascertain who could descend the cliff with the least number of jumps. Furthermore, my musings transport me to the enchanting coastal region of Croatia, where I embarked on the endeavor of mastering the art of diving. The allure of the crystal-clear, invitingly warm waters served as the backdrop for my explorations of aquatic life, including the thrill of fish encounters beneath the ocean's surface. I reminisced upon the initial holiday I shared with my fiancé, Marissa, who is now my prospective wife.
We embarked on a journey to Tunisia, where we daringly ventured into the expansive desert. We were fortunate enough to stumble upon the very location where the fictional character Luke Skywalker resided in his subterranean abode. Additionally, we visited the remarkable oasis where the film "The English Patient" was shot. It was during this contemplation that I recollected the time I acquired the skill of parachuting while in Canada. The act of leaping out of a perfectly functional aircraft engendered an overwhelming sense of exhilaration. Soon thereafter, I found myself gracefully descending under the parachute canopy, beholding an awe-inspiring vista that extended as far as the eye could perceive. This remarkable occurrence bestowed upon me an indelible and extraordinary experience. I fondly recall my honeymoon trip to Kenya, during which we had the opportunity to witness various wildlife. We were fortunate enough to observe majestic giraffes, captivating hippos, and elegant zebras. Moreover, we encountered a multitude of elephants, to the point where their presence became somewhat monotonous. However, our luck took a remarkable turn when we stumbled upon a pride of lions. Another cherished memory is the time we spent navigating the Athabasca River in Canada on traditional Canadian kayaks for a duration of five days. Each evening, we diligently searched for suitable camping spots, where we would set up our tents or occasionally choose to sleep under the open sky. We would then gather around a crackling fire, engaging in lively conversations while marveling at the celestial display above. During one excursion, our knowledgeable guides deviated from our kayaks and led us on foot upstream. As we strolled through the river, we could feel the chilly water against our ankles. However, as we proceeded further, intriguing bubbles emerged from beneath the river's surface, unveiling an unexpected hot spring. This discovery left us in awe, wondering how our guides were aware of its existence. Undoubtedly, it was an extraordinary and inexplicable encounter.
These are the various contemplations that occupied my mind during my stay in the hospital bed. At the tender age of 33, I found solace in having experienced and accomplished these pursuits in my life up until that point. My material possessions held no significance in my thoughts during this period. As I previously mentioned, my hospitalization lasted a mere five weeks, during which I was situated in Germany, engrossed in the pursuit of acquiring skiing skills. This endeavor marked the inception of my transformative journey. I distinctly recall being positioned on a gently sloping terrain, despite my fractured arm, which was still mended with pins. While being in Germany for skiing lessons may have been ill-advised, I refrained from divulging this information to the authorities. I vividly remember the overwhelming fear that engulfed me as I occupied that chair. Nevertheless, I persevered and successfully descended to the bottom of the hill. Subsequently, throughout the remainder of that week, I endeavored to reacquaint myself with the art of skiing. Though occasionally achieving a state of airborne motion, there were instances where I found myself plunging face-first into the snow. Nonetheless, each experience constituted a valuable lesson in my personal growth, and it served as a gateway to explore various other pursuits. In 2012, a group consisting of eight individuals made the collective decision to participate in the Race Across America. Among us, four individuals utilized handbikes, while the remaining four used conventional bicycles. It is noteworthy that all members of our team faced various disabilities, with only one fully functional leg present amongst us. Commencing our journey in San Diego, we embarked on a challenging cycling expedition that spanned the entire distance to Annapolis, Maryland. Vivid memories of cycling through the Rockies and the Appalachian Mountains persist, as well as traversing the undulating terrain of Kansas, which proved to be far from flat. Reflecting on the arduous journey, I now comprehend the reasons behind Dorothy's departure and have no desire to revisit such an experience. I also recall the exhilaration of reacquainting myself with skydiving, albeit in a tandem capacity due to personal reservations. However, the moment my feet touched the ground, I immediately expressed a yearning to repeat the adventure. Undoubtedly, it was an awe-inspiring and unforgettable experience.
Since that time, I have acquired the skill of swimming once again and have significantly elevated my proficiency in this activity. A swimming pool was constructed with public funds, generously donated by Help for Heroes. Following my lunch break, I would surreptitiously make my way to the pool. In fact, I would consume my lunch hastily, take a brief respite, and promptly ascend to the pool area. Over the course of the four years I spent at Headley Court, I estimate having swum hundreds of lengths and covered a distance of several hundred kilometers in that very pool. During evenings, when my strength permitted, I would venture to Heron Lake, located nearby. This marked the commencement of my venture into open water swimming. As time went on, a few members of the staff and fellow patients would congregate there. Initially, I could only manage to swim approximately 750 meters or a kilometer. However, as my physical prowess improved, I not only increased my speed but also expanded the distance I could cover. Eventually, I became capable of embarking on solo expeditions. I have consistently returned to Heron Lake as I believe it to be the birthplace of my transformative journey. Over the course of several years, I developed a strong interest in participating in numerous competitions and events. My initial experience swimming around Brown Sea Island was not particularly successful. Although I managed to complete the swim, I found myself disoriented due to my lack of knowledge about the route. It seems quite absurd considering the fact that I was essentially swimming around an island. Complicating matters further, I had inadvertently coated my goggles with Vaseline, obstructing my visibility and making it even harder to navigate. Additionally, the rough and tidal nature of certain parts of the island induced seasickness. Nonetheless, I persevered and eventually made it to the other side. Since then, I have had the opportunity to participate in the Brown Sun event on multiple occasions, which I find to be an extraordinary experience. Furthermore, I decided to challenge myself by entering the Dark 10k, a river swim that I had anticipated to be enjoyable. However, to my disappointment, the taste of the seawater proved to be quite repulsive. Last year, I also successfully swam Coniston and Olds Water. Additionally, I have been fortunate enough to participate in Windermere on several occasions. Windermere, measuring 11 miles in length or 17 kilometers, posed an immense challenge when I first attempted it. I harbored doubts about my ability to complete such a demanding feat. However, I adopted a mindset of taking it one mile, one kilometer at a time, aiming to see how far I could go.
When I entered the water, I possessed a strong inclination to inquire about the feasibility of such an endeavor. It occurred to me that if individuals are capable of swimming three or four miles, then surely anyone could undertake the challenge of swimming across Windermere. This event, without a doubt, qualifies as truly epic. After enduring six and a half grueling hours immersed in the water, I recall finally reaching the finish line, utterly depleted. Unlike the others who gracefully emerged from the water and proceeded towards the finish line, I, on the other hand, had to rely on a laborious scooting motion, employing my arms for assistance. Fortunately, the unwavering support of the crowd propelled and uplifted me, facilitating my exit from the water. Before concluding my discourse, I would like to revisit the concept of creating lasting memories. During my period of confinement in the hospital, reminiscing about past experiences and envisioning future endeavors constituted a significant part of my cognitive activities. Although uncertain about what the future held for me at that time, I found solace in the realization that I had accumulated a wealth of diverse experiences throughout my lifetime. Despite the necessity for adaptations, the potential for personal achievements remained within reach. Undoubtedly, my time spent in the hospital was fraught with moments of adversity; however, these recollections served as a source of fortitude. While confined to my hospital bed, my contemplations, ideas, and memories fueled my resolve, empowering me to translate those notions into tangible actions. I express my sincere gratitude to all who have attentively listened to my words and my memories.