JB’s Journey of Grit, Grace and Getting Stronger Every Day

When JB agreed to share his story with us, we knew it would be one that would stay with people. It’s a powerful and honest reflection from someone whose life changed in an instant — and who continues to face each day with tenacity, humour, and an unshakable sense of purpose. At Paragon, we’ve had the privilege of walking beside JB and his wife SB on their journey home, and it’s stories like his that remind us why we do what we do.

When JB set off for the gym early on a Saturday morning, having spent a hard week in the office, little did he know that his life was about to change beyond all recognition. A drunk driver, speeding down the wrong side of the road, slammed into JB and ran him over, twice. The severity of his injuries meant he was lucky to survive at all. Fortunately, he was treated extensively at the roadside by London’s Air Ambulance and taken to a major trauma hospital where his condition was touch and go to begin with. Not only had he sustained numerous head injuries, but he also sustained paraplegia at T3 and a severe brachial plexus injury to his non-dominant arm.

The swift intervention by the LAA and the doctors who treated him in an acute setting saved his life. JB is not a typical office worker, albeit softly spoken and bespectacled. In his own words, he thought that he was born to sail and fly, and his injuries brought him crashing down to earth with a proverbial (and quite literal) bang.

Like many spinal cord injured people, he faced many setbacks before he was able to be admitted to the spinal cord injury rehabilitation unit. He developed numerous infections, some pressure sores and then the day before he was due to be admitted for rehabilitation, he also developed COVID.

The injuries were a devastating blow to a highly successful and motivated young professional, who was due to marry the love of his life, SB, that year. They had already suffered setbacks, having planned their UK civil ceremony pre-COVID which then had to take place with only a few close friends. Their big celebrations were due to take place in the Caribbean where they both had family.

Despite the rocks and boulders that life threw at him, JB loves a challenge. He did so pre-injury, which spurred him on to experience high-adrenalin sports, including offshore sailing, scuba diving, skiing and competitive weight lifting, but he had to now turn his focus onto working on his new “personal bests”. From a highly active lifestyle JB had to adapt to life as a wheelchair user, with effectively one good arm and limited movement in the other.

JB’s sheer doggedness, never giving up and never expressing self-pity stands out when you meet him. He has the grit and resilience to keep going day after day, recognising that any small gain in his function is a step forward (and JB would wryly point out that steps is something he can’t do yet, but never say never) in regaining as much independence and functionality as possible.

JB possesses determination in abundance. He is the first to admit that there are days when he struggles and may not want to leave the bed never mind go to the gym and carry out hours of repetitive exercises that he hopes will bring further function, but as he says, paraphrasing Churchill, “when you’re going through hell, just keep going”.

It is probably JB’s high level of physical fitness that played a crucial role in helping him to survive the accident, that and the endless support of SB. JB is determined that despite having the odds stacked against him, he refuses to let his injuries limit his ambitions and goals. He has put this fierce work ethic into his rehabilitation journey.

After almost nine months in hospital, and having experienced various setbacks along the way, JB was finally ready to be discharged home. However, this transition came with its own set of challenges. Adapting to life as a spinally injured person, together with all the equipment and intrusion in a couple’s life, required significant physical and emotional adjustment.

Enter Paragon Home Healthcare. Recognising the unique needs of JB’s situation, they worked closely with the discharging ward to develop a tailored care plan. A dedicated team of carers were assembled to provide round-the-clock support, ensuring JB’s safety and comfort as he navigated this new chapter of his life. Suffice to say, not only is JB getting stronger, but so are the carers who are often involved in assisting him with his challenging exercise routines!

It is often difficult for people in JB’s situation who have lived an independent life with their partner, to cope with the intrusion of other people around them. Working as a team, JB and his wife have negotiated the sometimes difficult waters of establishing a routine which works best for them. Paragon Home Healthcare have been acutely aware of the problems that can occur in this type of situation and because of their compassion, training and skills, are able to address those issues.

JB is the first to say that he could not have got this far without the support of his amazing wife, SB, who he refers to as “his director of domestic bliss”!

JB lives by the mantra that if someone tells him he can’t do something, he takes it on board and then, without disrespect or rudeness, says, “I’m going to challenge your no. Sometimes they’re right and other times I find a way through. You have to just keep trying to move the needle forward!”

JB has learned to direct his own care, taking charge of his life. With his DDB by his side, they have begun to explore all options for the new “normal”. They are planning holidays abroad, trips out and future adventures together. JB may put it best himself with his notoriously wry sense of humour; “I may not be able to do standup comedy, but I still think I’m hilarious.” “Reflecting on what I’ve lost is a natural part of the journey, but I’m determined to look to the future and concentrate on what I can do rather than what I can’t do.” “I’m so lucky to have a fantastic wife who has had to deal with her own journey, but we’ve both emerged with a renewed sense of purpose and a vision for the future.”

JB’s story is a testament to the power of the human spirit. With his support team, Gandalf the cat (who rules the roost), and his hopes for the future, JB serves as an inspiration to all those facing adversity. With courage, strength of will and a little (or even a lot of) help along the way, anything is possible.

At Paragon Home Healthcare, we’re proud to have played a small but meaningful part in JB’s journey. This story is a tribute not just to one man’s resilience, but to the strength of partnership — between JB and SB, and between them and our team. Personalised care means understanding that recovery isn’t just clinical; it’s emotional, relational, and deeply human. JB reminds us why we do what we do — and we’re honoured to be part of a story that continues to inspire.