Kev Davies

My brother, Kev, had a motorbike accident in June 2008 resulting in him becoming a Tetraplegic and confined to a wheelchair. Kev spent 11 months in a Spinal Injuries Unit, which was a very difficult and upsetting time for the whole family. Our mother was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2006, and the accident had a huge impact on her. Kev struggled with the knowledge that he wouldn't walk again, and initially was very low and depressed. Over time, whilst Kev did have difficulty in adjusting, he never complained and was always keen to make sure that his family was alright. Since Kev was discharged from hospital in May 2009, he has continued to try and get on with life as best as he can. He is always there for his family, and was very supportive to our parents when our mother was very poorly earlier this year. He has gone back to the local leisure centre and now works with arm weights, and has shown an admirable determination to carry on with his life as best as he can. Prior to Kev's accident, he had been a Firefighter with Leicestershire Fire Service for 10 years. He was dedicated to this job, and had saved several lives, along with his colleagues. It was a devastating blow to Kev when he had to retire early due to his accident. Kev lives as independently as he can, and his family are very proud of his determination to continue to battle on and face adversity. He has been an inspiration. I know that being a Torchbearer would be a very proud honour for him.