Ben makes ‘amazing progress’ after freak diving accident (From Bournemouth Echo)

Ben makes ‘amazing progress’ after freak diving accident

7:00pm Wednesday 1st September 2010 in

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A YOUNGSTER whose dreams of an Olympic swimming career were dashed after a freak accident this summer is making “amazing progress” with his recovery.

Ben Clark from Hamworthy, a potential 2012 Olympic competitor and lifeguard, suffered serious injuries after diving into the water off Sandbanks beach in July.

Ben, who was 19 at the time, hit his head on a rock and lost consciousness for about 30 seconds.

Just after the accident he underwent an operation at Southampton Hospital where surgeons took bone from his hip to rebuild one of his shattered vertebrae, with Ben unable to feel or move any part of his lower body.

But now, nearly two months on, Ben celebrated his 20th birthday by giving his family a grand tour of his new hospital home at The Duke of Cornwall Spinal Injuries Unit in Salisbury in his wheelchair.

His aunt, Allyson Rogers said: “Ben’s birthday wish was to be in a wheelchair by the time his birthday came around. The staff at the unit are continuously amazed not only by his progress but his determination to achieve everything that is possible.

“And his family and friends are inspired by his spirit and courage daily.”

And while it is still unclear whether he will be able to walk again, Allyson says staff at the hospital, where Ben will be receiving intense occupational and physical therapy for the next nine months, have not ruled anything out.

“He is truly inspirational and is very keen on the paralympics now. It’s amazing progress”, added Allyson.