Carl's story: "Getting back behind the wheel was a milestone in my recovery."

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In January 2025, Carl's life changed in an instant. A skiing accident left him with a serious neck

injury and, for a time, paralysed. As his recovery progressed, his doctors advised that he would

need a specialist driving assessment before he could safely return to the road.

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Determined to regain his independence, Carl found Herts Ability online and made contact. Once

his neck mobility and arm strength had improved, he booked a driving assessment at the charity's

new Harlow centre.

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From the moment he arrived, Carl says the team put him completely at ease.

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"They explained exactly how the assessment would work, talked me through the process and

made sure I felt comfortable before we even got into the car."

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After spending some time getting familiar with the vehicle, Carl completed a driving assessment

around Harlow, including roundabouts, road signs and an emergency stop.

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At the end of the session, he received the news he'd been hoping for – he was fit to drive again.

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After 18 months relying on public transport, getting back behind the wheel marked a major

milestone in Carl's recovery. Before his accident, he had been the main driver in the family, so

being able to drive again didn't just restore his own independence; it also lifted a significant

weight from his wife's shoulders after months of caring for him.

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Since then, Carl has even been able to drive while on holiday in the Seychelles – something that

once felt a long way out of reach.

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Reflecting on his recovery, Carl believes that staying positive made a real difference.

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"We all have setbacks. I tried not to let the accident define me and focused on what I could do.

Getting back on the road was one of my biggest goals, alongside being able to walk upstairs to

bed again. Herts Ability helped me achieve that safely, and I'll always be grateful."

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