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.
Silverstone Half Marathon
In November 2025, I had the privilege of taking part in the Silverstone Half Marathon alongside my friend and colleague, Matt in support of IAM RoadSmart, and it meant a great deal to me personally.
After losing both of my legs following my accident, it was hard to imagine I'd be able to take on a challenge like this. Since then, I’ve tried to use my experience in a positive way by speaking to clubs, organisations and young people about road safety and the importance of making responsible decisions behind the wheel. Taking part in this run felt like another opportunity to help keep those conversations going.
The event was also completed in memory of Arron and Ben Peak, who sadly lost their lives in a road traffic accident in 2008. Having the support of their mum Amanda on the day was incredibly moving and a reminder of why raising awareness around road safety is so important.
I’m also very thankful to Matt for doing this alongside me. His support throughout meant a lot, and I couldn’t have asked for a better person to share the experience with. Crossing the finish line together at Silverstone is something I’ll always be grateful for.
London Marathon
I never imagined that one day I’d be running the London Marathon after losing both of my legs. After my accident, there were moments when everything felt uncertain. The East Anglian Air Ambulance helped save my life that day, and I’ll never forget what they did for me.
My recovery was far from easy. I went to a rehab clinic where I was told I would never be able to run or swim again. I honestly believe that if I had accepted that life in a wheelchair was all I could hope for, I might have spiralled into a very dark place with drink and drugs.
Instead, I decided to fight for more. I changed clinics, and that decision changed my life. I met two incredible people, physio Kat Sizer and prosthetist Jamie Gillespie. They brought me back to life. More importantly, they made me believe in myself again. Together, we worked out a plan that would allow me to become active again and rebuild my confidence step by step.
Two years after the accident, I went for my very first run. It’s hard to explain the emotion of that moment. After everything I’d been through, simply moving forward under my own power felt unbelievable.
Then, in 2021, I achieved something I once thought was impossible. I ran the London Marathon on blades. I did it to raise money for the East Anglian Air Ambulance, the people who helped save my life, and we raised £10,000.
Crossing that finish line was one of the most emotional moments of my life. It wasn’t just about running a marathon it was proof that no matter what people tell you, you should never stop believing in what’s possible.
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.
