Jimmy Goddard

On Tuesday 3rd August 2004 Jimmy Goddard, a former commando, had an accident whilst rock-climbing in Wales that was to change his life forever.

Jimmy and Claire, his climbing partner and close friend, fell 60 feet on to hard sand and both sustained multiple injuries. Despite the best efforts of the coastguards, RAF Sea King and paramedics, tragically Claire did not survive the fall. Jimmy was left permanently paralysed from the chest down.

Since leaving hospital Jimmy has adapted to his new life in a wheelchair and has continued to enjoy an active lifestyle filled with sport, travel and adventure. Two months after discharge he completed the full distance London triathlon and the next day set off for two months travelling round Spain. Returning from Spain he started an undergraduate Sport and Exercise Science Course at Loughborough University, in which he is currently in his second year.

It was whilst on holiday from university that Jimmy completed his first expedition to Kilimanjaro. Jimmy is enjoying being back at Uni and seems to be making the most of his holidays with recent visits to Arizona and Kenya where he stayed with local families and sampled local culture.

Once he has finished studying Jimmy hopes to work in the field of improving the quality of life of those with disabilities through sport and outdoor pursuits.

Jimmy currently does a lot of work with the Spinal Injuries charity ‘Back-Up’ as a wheelchair skills instructor and team leader on their rehabilitation weeks.