Episode 1: The Day Everything Changed

Episode 1: The Day Everything Changed

Simon starts the series by explaining where he came from and what he was like as a 16 year old boy growing on a council estate in Brixton, south London. He takes us through the events leading up to the fateful day, August 22nd 1984, when the car he was in crashed. He tells us why today, he cannot stand even the smell of chicken and mushroom pie.

Simon describes how he reacted when he was first told that he would never walk again. He was in a state of denial. Then came suicidal thoughts. Simon tells us how he managed to overcome deep depression in the early days of his new condition.
For many people with spinal cord injury, one of the most distressing elements of paralysis is the loss of bowel and bladder control and sexual function. Simon doesn’t shy away from discussing these matters of great intimacy. Simon’s joined by his great friend, Kirk, who was beside him in the back of the car that crashed in August 1984. Kirk escaped with minor injuries but explains his deep concern for his friend’s condition – Simon was airlifted by helicopter, while Kirk and the two others in the car, were taken to a local hospital.
It's the bond of friendship that has lasted for more than 40 years, says Simon, that has helped him accept and adapt to his injury. Kirk and Simon still regularly go clubbing as they did before the accident.