Achievements
Having lost 5 pints of blood at the scene of the crash (we only have 8 in our entire body on average) being alive is an achievement for Shaun but goal setting has been a huge part of his development and recovery. Below are some of the things he has achieved since his recovery in 2016.
Ipswich Town FC - coaching
Like so many little boys I always dreamed of being a professional football player. By the night of the crash that dream was well and truly off the table and I was just enjoying playing at a good amateur level with Newmarket Town. Technically and tactically I always thought I was well off it as compared with the lads that have made it at the elite level so when Ipswich Town contacted me and asked me if I'd like to coach some of the talented boys in the Under 13s age group I felt intimidated, I doubted whether I was good enough, but I said yes ... Getting my coaching badges while working with this group was a true honour and I'll be forever grateful to the Tractor Boys for their support. The fact that they invited me back in 2023 to talk to their scholars (many of whom had played in my Under 13s team a few years before) made for an emotional afternoon at Playford Road.
Emergency Services Training
When my (now) good friend and colleague Fraser Franks announced that he had to retire from playing professional football aged 28 because of a heart condition I sent him a DM on Instagram. I didn't know him at the time but I told him something I know to the true - he was about to have opportunities presented to him that he could never have expected.
I was talking from experience. When I was laying in that hospital bed recovering from my horrific injuries I could never have guessed that one day I would be flown out to Sweden to play the role of a victim of a plane crash! My lack of limbs also came in handy when I was an extra in one of the Mummy film franchise productions.
Competitions
Being fit and healthy (and a non-smoker) was one of the factors that saved my life on the night of the crash and being involved in sport, in fitness and in competition is a crucial part of the recovery both physically and mentally. Setting goals is crucial and I have run the London Marathon, competed in cross fit events, ridden the Tour of Suffolk with Ipswich Town staff and even broke the world record for the Concept2 Indoor Rower.
