A BRAVE Southall man who reclaimed his life after becoming paralysed promoted his condition on Spinal Cord Injuries Awareness Day last month.

Two years ago Jagmeet Singh was struck down with back pain so bad that he fell out of bed, unable to get up again.

The 40-year-old was rushed to Ealing Hospital where he learned of his paralysis, and was put in touch with the Spinal Injuries Association (SIA).

Jagmeet said: “My life changed dramatically after my injury.

"I went from being able to walk to all of sudden (after my operation) not being able to move from the waist down.”

Every year more than 1,000 people receive spinal cord injuries from accidents or illness, and the SIA gives support to more than 700 people suffering for the first time.

This Spinal Cord Injuries Awareness Day on May 20, SIA encouraged people to show their support by holding their own sponsored fish and chip supper in their honour.

The charity aims to raise money and awareness for those with paralysis and their loved ones to help them understand how their lives will change and challenge perceptions.

As Jagmeet had treatment at Clayponds Rehabilitation Hosiptal before having surgery at Charing Cross Hospital, he did not go to a specialist centre.

He had limited understanding of what life would be like for him living with the injury, or the support available to him.

He was discharged from hospital to his previous home which was inaccessible, meaning he was unable to get out and about.

Thankfully an SIA peer support officer shared her personal experience of what living with a spine injury is like with Jagmeet, helped him source accessible housing and gym access and challenged perceptions of how his life would change.

Jagmeet said: “The Spinal Injuries Association was hugely influential in me regaining my independence. I don’t know where I would be without them.”

Jagmeet has come to terms with his condition, but he is not defeated by it.

He continues his life with confidence and a positive attitude, with support from the SIA and treatment from the Stanmore Spinal Cord Injuries Centre.

An Open University survey showed that 73% who have suffered a spinal cord injury felt more optimistic about the future after using with the SIA’s peer support service.

For more information call 01908 604191 or visit their website.