THE WHOLE TRUTH STEVEN’S STORY

Steven is a volunteer with SIS who 11 years ago had an accident leaving him with no movement below his neck and needing a ventilator 24 hours a day. Despite these challenges Steven is an example that no disability should mean an end to fun and enjoying life.

Travel Insurance Roulette

I have always grudged paying insurance. Building, contents, car, life, travel. So much so that as an adult I never once forked out for travel insurance.

If I can sidestep an optional insurance then I will Travel insurance never had a look in. If I ended up needing to pay for treatment then I would just... well... it doesn't matter. That kind of thing wouldn't happen to me.

As always, I thought I knew best (in my defence, I usually do!)

With my best friend's stag weekend having arrived I was sticking to my guns. I had decided arranging insurance for a weekend in Spain was more hassle than it was worth. 24 hours later I jumped in the swimming pool at the hotel. Next thing I was lying in a Spanish hospital attached to a ventilator and paralysed from the neck down.

You can explain the following story as fate, luck, destiny or simply a coincidence but this is what happened in the 24 hours before leaving.

You can also follow Steven's story on twitter @choose_living

The night before our flight we had a party at my house to kick-start the weekend. It was extremely messy (in the best possible way). Things started to wind down at about 6am. We were leaving for the airport at 10am so I didn't want to sleep. After drinking so much I was worried I would not wake up in time and miss the flight. In hindsight, that would have been a blessing.