Former Wales rugby union captain Gwyn Jones has spoken of his determination to become "totally independent" again as he continues an heroic fight back from serious injury.
Jones's rugby career was cruelly ended last December when he damaged his spinal cord playing for Cardiff against Swansea in a Welsh Premier Division match.
But more than nine months on, the recovery signs are healthy, helped by regular physiotherapy sessions and Jones's iron will.
"You have got to struggle on through," Jones told BBC Radio 5 yesterday. "It was an accident, one of those things that happen, unfortunately.
"I want to make full potential of what I have. I want to become totally independent walking, while running should be a goal that I can achieve in the near future.
"I have been quite demanding on myself, and looked on things objectively. Yes, I've felt low and down, but there is nothing much you can do about it."
Jones vividly recalls the day that his life changed forever, a shocking episode that stunned rugby players, administrators and supporters worldwide.
"I remember that my car had been broken into on the morning of the game. I was still a bit worked up when I arrived at the ground, and then had to apologise to my team-mates for being late," he said. "It was December 13th, and I got injured in the 13th minute. I remember tackling Scott Gibbs and taking a nasty knock on my shoulder, but I decided to play on.
"Shortly afterwards, the ball came back from a ruck and I tried to get my hands on it, but I was hit from the front and behind. I felt a click in the back of my neck, yet thought I would be able to get up once everyone had moved away.
"There was no pain, but I couldn't get up and I was confused. Then, though, I realised something was wrong and assumed that I had broken my neck - it was a feeling of disbelief.
"I didn't get upset at all at the time - I sort of knew what had happened. I was convinced that I had broken my neck, but I hadn't. After a scan at the hospital, I was told there was a swelling of my spinal cord, and that I was in spinal shock," he added.
"They just said it would be a case of waiting and seeing what happens, but I still hadn't moved by the following Tuesday. When they told me I would need an operation, it came as a bit of shock. I wasn't expecting that - it was another dark moment.
"It was a petrifying experience, incomprehensible really, but over a period of time, my movements have come back. I'm looking forward all the time, and getting back to studying medicine is a particular goal."
Jones was halfway through a two-year sabbatical from his medical studies when the injury happened. But amid the political chaos and financial strife, his continuing recovery puts rugby union's crazy professional era firmly into perspective.
