Support From Medical Negligence Lawyers Leads To Specialist Support And Rehabilitation And Making Dreams Of Playing Golf Again A Reality

A former HGV driver left paralysed following surgery has spoken of his determination to rebuild his life.

David Goulding, from West Malling, had been seeking medical help for increasing back pain during 2018. He was diagnosed with spinal cord compression due to an acute disc prolapse.

David left paralysed from the chest down after surgery

He underwent surgery in October 2018. However, he was left paralysed from the chest down. The dad-of-one spent three months in hospital before being transferred to a specialist rehabilitation hospital.

Although David still uses a wheelchair, he has recently developed some movement in his legs through rehabilitation therapy and his own hard work over several years.

David asks specialist medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell for help

As part of his recovery, David instructed specialist medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help him access the specialist rehabilitation and support he requires.

Introduction to ParaGolfer mobility unit

Realising he used to be a keen golfer, the team at Irwin Mitchell was able to introduce David to a ParaGolfer, a special all-terrain mobility unit that can lift people from a sitting to a standing position. David has been able to trial the device, to help build his physical strength and improve his mental health.

David accesses the ParaGolfer through the Golf Trust based at The Shire golf course in Barnet, North London. The charity provides 10 free sessions with the ParaGolfer. Since his trial, David now uses the ParaGolfer regularly with his Golf Trust coach Cae Menai-Davies and can already see the difference in his swing. David has until now used the ParaGolfer on the range but will shortly going onto the golf course to play 9 holes in order to work his way up to a full round of golf.

David is now continuing to rebuild his life, while playing his part to raise greater awareness of spinal cord injury and the options available to patients and their families.

Alexandra Highfield is the expert medical negligence lawyer supporting David and his family.

Expert Opinion

“The last few years and coming to terms with his life-changing diagnosis has been incredibly difficult for David and his family who have all had to adapt to new ways of living.

“We’re always looking for ways to support our clients’ rehabilitation where we can and get them back to doing the things they used to love.

“One way we’ve been able to help David is by introducing him to using a ParaGolfer. Golf was a huge aspect of David’s previous lifestyle that he missed. It also provided him with an opportunity to socialise with his friends - something that had been lost following surgery.

“While David’s story shows anyone’s life can be turned upside down, amazing people like David are proving to others and themselves that there’s a way forward following the devastation of a spinal cord injury.” Alexandra Highfield

Spinal cord injury: David’s story

David was working as an HGV driver in August 2018, when ongoing back pain became much worse than usual.

He underwent surgery on 8 October but was left paralysed from the chest down and seriously ill.

Two further periods of hospital admission followed for further intensive rehabilitation on the NHS and other support which David funded himself to ensure the progress he’s made was not lost.

David resumes his love for golf with the ParaGolfer and the Golf Trust

Realising David’s former love of golf, Irwin Mitchell introduced him to the ParaGolfer and arranged for a trial with the Golf Trust, a charity that aims to offer opportunities to disabled people and their families to play golf and gain the health and fitness benefits that come from the sport.

Cae Menai-Davis, founder of The Golf Trust said, “David is great example of the inclusive nature of golf and the work that we do at the Golf Trust to show what is achievable, no matter what your ability or background. It has been great to see the development in David as a person both physically and mentally in just a few sessions and we look forward to supporting him in developing even further using our ParaGolfer.”

David is marred to wife Amanda who now acts as his primary carer. The couple have a daughter, Chanelle, 26, and Amanda has two children, John Ashen, 35 and Victoria, 32.

David reveals he feels ‘lucky to be alive’

David said: “Given the state I was in after surgery, in some ways I feel lucky to be alive today but my life and that of my family changed forever as a result. While I’ve made some progress, it’s frustrating not being able to do the things you want to do. I’m desperate to do more for myself and to give Amanda a break.

“The family have all been a huge help and I love to spend time with the grandchildren, who have been wonderful in the way children are. I just can’t play sports with them in the way I’d like to. Even playing catch with a light ball has been too much for me.

“I used to be really sporty before my injury and it’s been devastating to not be able to play for several years. I was a member of Eltham Warren and Sidcup Golf Club for years and would play every other week with friends and go away on golfing weekends with mates.

From expecting never to play golf again to playing a round seeming a real possibility

“I never thought I’d play golf again but now it seems like a real possibility.  I haven’t felt this excited in years. I was able to hit 60 balls using the ParaGolfer and I really want to do this again.

“Life is still difficult and I’m still in pain but sport is a way to get some of my life back and our lives as a family. I’m not under any illusions, but I’m making progress and playing sport again really gives me a lot of hope for the future.”