Paul Fisher: “This trip with Blesma has inspired me”

Keen skier Paul Fisher enjoyed the thrill of the slopes after more than 15 years’ absence thanks to the winter sports week in La Plagne in January.

The 62 year old, who skied during his Army service, had to quit the sport following an operation to repair spinal damage suffered in a car bomb attack.

“From start to finish, the whole trip was incredible,” said Paul, who was  injured in a double car bomb explosion in Northern Ireland in 1996. “The instructors were really patient and adaptable, and the week opened my eyes to what is possible. I thought I would never ski again, but it was fantastic to be out there once more.”

Paul, who served 22 years in the Royal Corps of Transport, experienced pain and loss of feeling caused by spinal cord damage from the blast, but the issue was not dealt with until 2011 – five years after he had left the Army.

“I went into hospital on the Monday and expected to be back in work the following week, but I woke up paralysed from the neck down. I went from being employed in a good job to waking up with nothing and having to use a wheelchair.

“I have a strong family and have made progress to walk on crutches. I can’t praise the Blesma team enough for putting on such a fantastic trip. It was great being with other Members, and there was a range of skiing abilities that were all catered for.”

Paul, who lives in Lisburn, Northern Ireland is hoping to improve his sit-ski skills so he can take his wife Julie on a trip to the slopes for her 60th birthday. “It is going to take a lot of hard work but this trip with Blesma has inspired me and given me the belief that you can do things no matter your disability.”