John Webber’s Comeback with the ReAkiv Brace

In July 2021, John Webber, a 42-year-old father of two, experienced an unexpected turn in his life. Known for his positive and energetic personality, John is often described as “Tigger” by his family and friends. Always keeping busy, John previously worked as a sales manager and devoted his weekends to his passion for motorcycling.

One summer’s evening, John was returning home from a charity bike night with friends when his life would change forever after a collision with a van. The impact was severe, throwing him and his bike over 40 feet down the road. His left leg was crushed, ribs shattered, and his lung punctured. Emergency responders rushed him to the hospital, where he endured a 22-hour surgery. Heartbreakingly, his family was told to prepare for the worst; his injuries were so severe that his survival was uncertain.

John woke up six weeks later, emerging from a coma with no memory of the accident or the many surgeries that followed. His body was battered and bruised, held together with 60 staples down his back and he was faced with his new reality; he was wheelchair-bound and unsure if he would ever walk again. Physically and emotionally, John was unrecognisable from the lively, independent man he had been. Depression set in as he grappled with this new reality, feeling isolated, frustrated, and unsure where to turn.

A turning point came in June 2022 when John was introduced to Trish Dowling, a dedicated Case Manager who became his guiding light through his darkest times. With Trish’s help, John connected with specialists who could help him understand and accept his injuries. He was referred to the Dorset Orthopaedic clinic in Ringwood, where he was introduced to the Limb Trauma Clinic (LTC). This service offers a comprehensive assessment to support the foundation of rehabilitation from the outset of a serious limb injury, with a focus on limb salvage or amputation, if necessary. At the LTC, John met rehabilitation consultant Dr. Rhodri Phillip from Remedy Healthcare, orthotist Kim Pickering, and physiotherapist Mary Tebb. They provided valuable insights into his rehabilitation options, offering a glimmer of hope through a custom-made ReAkiv brace, an orthotic device that could help restore some of his independence without needing to go down the route of amputation.

What followed, was a week of residential rehabilitation with physio Mary, learning to navigate stairs, cross-country paths, and hills with the support of his ReAktiv brace. Over time, he regained the strength to walk unaided, something John had not thought possible. Through hardwork and determination, John’s newfound mobility reignited his spirit. Today, John can walk up to eight kilometres and is currently training to complete the Plymouth half marathon in May 2025! This goal isn’t just about personal achievement; it’s about giving back to the community that supported him. John is raising funds for the Day One Trauma Charity, an organisation that helps individuals facing life-altering injuries like his.

John now spends his days focused on helping others who have faced life-altering accidents. Driven by a mission to inspire and support those struggling with traumatic injuries, he emphasises the importance of acceptance: “Get an understanding of your injuries, learn to accept them. Moving forward is impossible until you do.”

Fundraiser by John Webber : Plymouth Half Marathon for Day One Trauma