At the time, my grade 4 primary school class kept me busy all week and during the weekends I enjoyed the varied water sports that coastal living afforded. Since then I have renovated my new home for maximum independence and have been joined by my trusty assistance dog, Jade. Delivering personal-development school programs enticed me back to the workforce before moving to my current role of Peer Support and Resource Development Coordinator.

In 1997, I completed a two-year part-time certificate 3 Information Technology course at Meadowbank TAFE to enhance my job prospects.  My trade, at the time of my accident, was communications technician but I was working in the trucking industry when I had my accident.  I began employment in 1997 with Spinal Cord Injuries Australia (then the Australian Quadriplegic Association) as a peer support officer.  My main role is to visit the spinal units in Sydney.

Because of my Portuguese background I helped develop a Portuguese welfare centre assisting new migrants integrating into a multicultural society. I was very involved in wheelchair sports both working and competing in table tennis. Following the birth of my first son I formed a group called Paraparents which is a support group for mums who have a spinal cord injury. I never forgot the peer support group that assisted me all those years ago and I subsequently joined the team as a volunteer. I started working in 2005 at SCIA as a peer support officer.

I had only recently immigrated to Australia from UK and was enjoying the open air lifestyle, as I was a keen diver, snow boarder and rock climber. During my rehab at Prince of Wales and Prince Henry Hospitals in Sydney I got involved with the team sport of wheelchair basketball. I continued to play basketball after rehab and ultimately played for the National League. I also became a Board Director of Wheelchair Sports NSW. In my private life since my accident I met someone, got married, built a fully accessible two storey house and had two children. I have been a Peer Support Officer for Spinal Cord Injuries Australia since 2007.

My interests are wheelchair racing, outrigger canoeing and going to the gym.  I have represented Australia on seven occasions in wheelchair racing and pentathlon and held seven national records in events ranging from 100 m to 10 km. I have experienced a diverse range of employment, ranging from Customer Service call centres to Personal Training, excavation, barman, concierge, security guard and body guard. I am currently working for SCI Australia as a Peer Support Officer and particularly enjoy interacting with clients and helping them to achieve their goals.

At the time of my accident I was working as a trainee hotel manager in Sydney. I now enjoy time with family/friends, BBQ’s, social networking, computers, music and anything that is fun and adventurous. Over the past 2 years I have worked as a volunteer at a disability resource centre in Penrith.  Currently I work as a Peer Support Mentor with SCI Australia where I provide friendly advice to people with a disability, their family/friends and carers. I like this role because I help to make a change in peoples’ lives and empower them for the better.

This resulted in me spending 22 months in RNSH.  Whilst in hospital, I did a basic computer course at North Shore TAFE at night and a graphic arts course.  At the time of my accident I played baseball and was about to purchase a half share in a spray painting business.  I also liked to snow ski and I have a strong passion for motorbicycles. My current interests include computer games, motor racing and surfing the net for interesting articles.  I see my Peer Support role as a way to positively motivate and assist others to adjust to their new lives following their spinal injuries.