Neil Francis has inspired others to join a walking challenge during April. On 3 May they will walk the final mile to a celebratory barbecue in support of two charities, including SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.
Neil joined the Royal Navy at back in 1991 at the age of 16, and he enjoyed the camaraderie and travel opportunities offered in the service. One year later while on temporary shore leave in Dubai, Neil suffered a compound fracture in a tragic swimming pool accident. He spent two weeks there in hospital, before being flown back to Salisbury Hospital in Wiltshire. His rehabilitation process would be long, and the results uncertain.
Neil was left tetraplegic, and with his family life and future uncertain. SSAFA came to his aid, supporting his mother while she was eight months pregnant with Neil’s brother. SSAFA and other military charities have been there to help Neil throughout his life, helping him secure a computer and replacement wheelchairs.
After working in IT and psychotherapy, Neil took a voluntary redundancy due to pneumonia. While this put an end to his careers, the time away from work allowed him to reconnect with his love of nature and the outdoors – which inspired him to create this challenge.
Neil added:
“I found my purpose in getting outside, in nature; seeing where I lived and roaming the roads I did as a kid, and I found such joy, such peace, with it. The dog and I would do about 15 miles a day, together. It’s so good for mental health.
“It made such a difference to me. Just getting out again, going up into the woods, being able to go off-road, not having to stick to pavements and flat surfaces and just being able to be a bit of a kid again. So I wanted to inspire others to do the same.”
The challenge will culminate in a barbecue at The Hill, a masonic lodge in Stroud, Gloucestershire. Along with food and friends, there will be an auction and a raffle, all in an effort to raise funds for charities like SSAFA that have helped Neil over the course of his life – because no one should have to battle life’s problems alone.
You can join Neil’s barbecue and auction/raffle via their Facebook page here.
You can donate to Neil’s JustGiving page here.
More information about SSAFA can be found at ssafa.org.uk/requestingbackup.
