After having my right leg amputated five years ago, due to a recurring infection, I honestly believed my riding days were over. I have always loved motorbikes, riding full time from the age of 16 until I was 23. Even a badly broken right leg, pinned and plated when I was 21 did not put me off, until I was told that having an accident with the plate in my lower leg could cause the bone to shatter; I reluctantly gave up.

Having the plate removed when I was 30, I was suffering a lot of pain, the doctors discovered a deep seated infection, which it took them four years to sort out.
About a year later, my wife Karen said, "After everything you've been through, you still want a bike, so get one!"

So I did, an old 550/4 which I rode for four years until I was 40. Two weeks after my 40th, the infection recurred. A below knee amputation failed to clear it, so my right leg was amputated above the knee. So that's it - accept the riding days are over? I thought so, but a year ago Karen said, "If you really wanted to, you could have another bike. couldn't you?"
"I suppose so." I said and, after discussing it with friends, Andy Cooper and Dave Hawkyard suggested the NABD as a way forward with advice and help. So we contacted the NABD and they were very helpful.

I fancied a VFR 750, Karen looked on the net and found a local dealer with what looked like the right bike and, after a test ride by a mate, Simon Asplen, I bought it.
Thank you so much NABD for the grant of a rear brake thumb lever, and fitting costs.
The work was carried out by Wilson's of Kirton, near Boston, Lincolnshire.
I am now back riding again - it's fantastic - and slowly regaining my confidence.
I haven't done many miles this year, but every one is still further than I ever thought I would do again.
Many thanks again to the NABD.

This NABD Grant of £371.13 was sponsored by donations from RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, and the RAF Service Funds.