Jacob was injured in a motorbike accident on 15th December 2022, where a driver failed to see him and crashed into the side of him.
Jacob was left with a life-changing spinal cord injury, resulting in paralysis from his chest down and needing to use a wheelchair for independent mobility.
Jacob is passionate about riding his motorbike and his absolute focus has been to get back to doing what he loves.
After alot of hard work, research and commitment by him and various mobility partners, Jacob trained to pass his full motorcycle test, allowing him to drive an adapted trike – a Can-Am 3 Wheel Spyder, giving him back his freedom and independence that was almost taken away from him as a result of the disability caused by the injury.
Jacobs trike has been especially adapted to suit his needs, including a hand brake conversion on the right handle bar, foot plates to make sure he’s feet stay secure with straps and a back rest with lateral support to give stability whilst riding, as well as a frame on the side of the trike to carry his wheelchair!
Determined to continue his journey to increase his independence, Jacob came to QEF in February 2025 to explore his options for air travel, as he was focused on joining a cruise around the Mediterranean.
After an initial phone consultation it was clear that Jacob would benefit from an in-person Tryb4uFly assessment to experience different options for transferring from his wheelchair into the aisle chair, and then from the aisle chair to the plane seat.
Manual seat transfers take alot of physical effort and the assessment highlighted how important it will be for Jacob to book a seat with a moveable arm rest to support his transfer, and to be able to take his posture support cushion onboard for use during the flight. Alternatively Jacob could also request a sling for easier transfers in and out of his seat, which would require support from the special assistance teams at each airport.
It was an informative assessment in QEF’s mock aircraft cabin at Carshalton, enabling Jacob to request the specific transfer solutions he needs when booking his flight.
A very determined man, Jacob is rebuilding his independence after his life-changing injury, so that he can continue to live the life he chooses.
