Paralysed man spends year writing letter of thanks

Paralysed man spends year writing letter of thanks

Leonard Mullin’s life took a drastic turn three years ago when a fall down the stairs at his County Tyrone home left him paralyzed from the chest down and with limited use of his limbs. Recalling the traumatic incident, Leonard mentioned, “I remember going down the stairs and the next thing I remember is waking up days later in hospital.” Doctors informed him that the accident had resulted in a severe spinal injury, rendering him a quadriplegic with minimal movement in his legs and arms.

Despite the challenges he faces, Leonard expressed gratitude for being alive, attributing his survival to the timely intervention of the Northern Ireland Air Ambulance, which was dispatched after a call to emergency services. The Air Ambulance, a charitable organization working in conjunction with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, played a crucial role in saving Leonard’s life on that fateful day following the accident. In a gesture of appreciation, Leonard decided to craft a heartfelt letter expressing his thanks to the paramedics who assisted him during the incident.

For Leonard, the simple act of writing a letter has become a monumental task post-accident, as each word and letter he painstakingly writes is a struggle. Over the course of more than a year, Leonard managed to complete the letter, commemorating the third anniversary of his life-altering accident. Reflecting on this significant accomplishment, Leonard likened it to climbing a mountain and emphasized the immense personal value it holds for him. The letter, encapsulating his deep gratitude towards the rescue team, was seen as the “best achievement” of his life.

Following the completion of the letter, Leonard hand-delivered it to some of the paramedics who were instrumental in saving his life, with the BBC News NI capturing the heartfelt moment. Damien McAnespie from Air Ambulance NI commended Leonard for his perseverance, highlighting the remarkable feat he had accomplished. Leonard expressed hope that his story would inspire others facing similar challenges, emphasizing the importance of resilience and determination in overcoming adversity. He concluded by urging individuals with spinal injuries like his own not to lose hope, as perseverance can lead to unexpected accomplishments and progress

Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More