Shaun Whiter: ‘Losing my legs changed my life for the better’
In July 2016, Shaun Whiter, a footballer, found himself in a life-altering situation while assisting his friend with a tire change on the roadside.
A drunk driver collided with them, resulting in severe leg injuries for Shaun, necessitating subsequent amputation. This incident abruptly ended his career and propelled him into a journey of rehabilitation and adaptation.
At the age of 35, residing in Hertford, Shaun had to bid farewell to his former life. He recounts his past, reminiscing about the days when he enjoyed playing semi-professional football for Newmarket Town while also pursuing a career as an estate agent in the Stansted area, accompanied by a vibrant social circle.
The course of events leading to his life-altering moment began innocuously, as he finished his day’s work and joined friends for a game of golf. However, when notified by a friend about a flat tire, Shaun rushed to offer assistance. Little did he know that this act of goodwill would thrust him into a dire situation.
On that fateful day, as Shaun and his friend attended to the tire on the pavement, an unforeseen car collision shattered their peace. The driver, under the influence, callously fled the scene, leaving behind a trail of devastation.
Amidst excruciating pain and disbelief, Shaun clung to consciousness, grappling with the severity of his injuries, sensing the crushing weight upon his legs.
Fortuitously, his friend, though injured, managed to summon help, ultimately saving Shaun’s life. Emergency responders swiftly airlifted him to Addenbrooke’s hospital, where he underwent extensive medical procedures, including the amputation of his legs.
Awakening from the ordeal, Shaun confronted a tumult of emotions, grappling with profound questions about the circumstances that befell him and the uncertain path ahead.
The journey to recovery proved arduous, marked by moments of despair and resilience. Returning home brought its own set of challenges, yet Shaun found solace in the unwavering support of his football community, family, and friends.
Their collective efforts, coupled with home modifications facilitated by skilled tradesmen among his acquaintances, eased his transition into a new way of life.
I went to a rehab clinic where I was told I would never be able to run or swim, but I wasn’t going to accept that. I think if I had done, and was living in a wheelchair, I might have taken to drink and drugs and gone down a dark path.
I changed clinics and met two amazing people who brought me back to life – a physio called Kat Sizer and Jamie Gillespie, a prosthetist. They made me believe in myself and they worked out a plan so that I could be active again.
Two years on from the accident, I went for my first run, which was an incredible day. In 2021, I ran the London Marathon on blades, raising £10,000 for the East Anglian Air Ambulance. It was a very emotional day.
When I run, I sometimes think about the man who drove off and left me dying at the side of the road. I think to myself, ‘You’re not taking this away from me too.’ I channel that anger into making me run faster. He only served 13 months in prison and has never shown any real remorse, but I try not to think about him apart from that. It’s a waste of energy and I try my best to stay positive.
Before the marathon, I decided to climb Snowdon and I scrambled up using my hands. When I got to the top, I cried and let all the emotion out. When I got to the bottom, I decided I was going to ask a family friend, Hollie, who I had not spoken to in a while, out for a date.
We fell in love and now we have two sons, Kian aged three, and Owen who is 18 months. We are getting married in May and we couldn’t be happier.
Being a parent with a physical disability can be difficult. It’s very daunting to start with but it has given me even more motivation to stay fit and be the best father I can be.
It has also made me want to raise more awareness of dangerous driving, from drink-driving to people being distracted on their phones, and I share my story with professional sportsmen and women around the country.
