MY LEGS WERE CRUSHED BY THREE TONNES OF STEEL:
WHEN Jason Reynolds lost his leg in a horrific work accident four years ago he was certain his sporting days were finished for good.
The 38-year-old HGV driver from Tredegar was left hospitalised and in critical condition when a freak accident transporting goods to Birmingham caused three tonnes of steel to fall on the back of his legs.
With his left leg crushed, and right leg needing major reconstruction, Jason faced months of agonising rehab and surgery that threw his life in to a state of complete disrepair.
However when he was at his lowest moment Jason discover wheelchair rugby.
For many people who take part in wheelchair sports, attending sessions is about much more than just competition, but a way of life that is integral to their physical and mental wellbeing.
Jason considers himself a testament to this, and seems to be in his element as speeds round the pitch competing in this brutal version of the national sport.
Though the die-hard rugby fan who once played as a prop for Trefil and Tredegar Ironsides, says he will always remember the tough times that followed after his accident.
He said: “I was just a normal guy with a normal job a few years ago, completely unaware my life was about to be changed forever. We were unloading a heavy goods vehicle up in Birmingham when a steel coil slipped from the lorry, dropping three tonnes of of weight on the back of my legs.
“At first I though I was fine because I couldn’t feel anything, but that was just because of the damage caused. I had a massive adrenaline dump and it turned out everything below my left knee had been crushed to smithereens.
“When I got to the hospital they told me they’d be removing the leg. It was an awful experience but I was grateful to be alive.”
Jason, who lives at home with his partner and son Jamie, was quickly transported to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham where his left leg was removed and right leg reconstructed.
What followed was months of rehab and surgeries which he describes as a very testing time.
“Going through the surgery and the rehab is a tough process, and it can be very taxing mentally to get over something like that,” he said.
“In a way you’re learning to live a new way with the prosthetic leg and everything that comes with that, but there was a light at the end of the tunnel for me, and that came when I discovered wheelchair rugby in 2018.
“We came to a taster session here in the leisure centre and I fell in love with it right away. We started the Ebbw Vale Wheelchair sports team that day, and never looked back.
“It’s an amazing club, and myself and the others here owe so much to it.”
The Ebbw Vale Wheelchair Sports Team now meet every Saturday at Ebbw Vale leisure centre and offer inclusive sport for all levels of ability, with members adapting 12 sports for disabled participants, including rugby, basketball, and volleyball.
The group are now looking to establish themselves as a hub for wheelchair sports in Blaenau Gwent, with Jason keen to emphasise the power sport can have on a persons mental health, regardless of their ability.
He now hopes that by sharing his story he can encourage others to join the group as well.
He said: “For me I feel I’ve been given a second chance to get back in to sports again, as well the chance to compete alongside my son Jamie who is also a member of the team.
“Last year the two of us played for Wales together against Scotland and it was a very special moment for me.”
Jason laughed: “I would never have played for Wales if I hadn’t lost my leg so there’s always a silver lining. To pull on that red jersey felt amazing, and doing it alongside my son was just the icing on the cake.
“Playing a sport and being part of a team is absolutely brilliant, especially for me as it gave me something to look forward to throughout the week. It’s also a way to get the blood flowing and get rid of some frustrations. It’s a brutal sport on times but I just love to compete.
“Getting out of the house, exercising and socialising with others are all things that can change your outlook on life no matter if you are able bodied or disabled, so I would encourage people to come and take part.
“For me I still have some work to do on my legs with operations in the coming months, but I’m still here, and still going and hope people can see the positive influence we have and get behind us as much as possible.”
Mark Turner, 53, is one of the founding members of the group who attended the taster session in 2018, and said he was immediately hooked after trying wheelchair sports for the first time.
The former ship engineer from Ebbw Vale was diagnosed with motor neurone disease 10 years ago and now coaches the highly popular wheelchair rugby team.
He believes sport is vitally important for the community and wants to give people the chance to take part no matter what their level of ability.
He said: “I was suffering a little bit with depression due to my illness, but being a member of this group has really helped change my life.”
The Ebbw Vale Wheelchair sports team host events every Saturday, from 12pm-2pm at Ebbw Vale Leisure Centre. For more information contact Mark Turner on 07376 410176 or email him at mark.evwsc@gmail.com .