Some stories that start as tragedies really do have happy endings. The story of ex-rugby champ Josh Davies, who is just 21 years old, is one of those. Crushed by a tree while helping his father clear land on the family farm, Davies suffered from serious injuries. His spinal cord was broken in two places, leaving him paralyzed from the navel down. Despite his injuries, Josh Davies decided not to give up.
With Scuba Diving Comes Freedom
Determined not to give up his active lifestyle, Davies decided to take up scuba diving. He started his training in British waters, but because of his lack of mobility, he often became cold and found that he could spend only a limited amount of time building his skills on each dive.
Davies’ friends felt he would benefit from a trip to a warmer locale where he could spend longer periods of time in the water. Along with other members of Swansea’s Llwchwr British Sub-Aqua Club (BSAC), they raised £2,000 to send him to Lanzarote, where he was able to spend more time in the water and ultimately earn his BSAC sports diver qualification.
While enjoying Spain’s warm waters and taking part in two daily dives for five days, Davies enjoyed the total freedom that comes with scuba diving, along with the feelings of independence that come with caring for oneself. “I wasn’t treated any different, I had to look after my own kit and had a little trailer for my kit which I then had to pull behind my wheelchair when we were going to and from the diving,” he told reporters.
He went on to note that “Dai Mathias, the instructor from the club, who I have known for a long time was brilliant, everyone was, there were 15 divers on the trip all together. With the water being so warm I could spend an hour or more diving and not get cold which was fantastic.”
Not surprisingly, Davies enjoyed everything about the diving at Lanzarote, including the marine life the region is so well known for. “I saw so many different fish including angel sharks, big groupers, octopuses, and millions of damsel fish,” he said.
Even though he had a great time while on holiday, Davies says his main focus was on becoming a certified diver. “I still have to do all the required stuff, like show I can rescue an unconscious diver. There is no special treatment because I’m not able bodied.”
Instructors agreed with Davies; Dai Mathias said that “Josh had to work twice as hard as an able bodied person yet never gave up.” Now that Josh Davies is a certified diver, he joins the ranks of countless others who have overcome physical disabilities to enjoy the freedom that comes with scuba diving. Mary Tetley, who is BSAC’s chief executive, said that “Josh should be very proud of achieving his Sports Diver qualification.” He is – and he’s now working on a new challenge, training to cycle from Cardiff to Dublin to raise money for charity.
The story of Josh Davies is an incredible one, and one we’re thrilled to hear. If you or someone you care for has a physical disability, it doesn’t have to signal the end of an adventurous life. Underwater, freedom awaits.
Comments
Inspirational!