'I've got a new sense of purpose': Leeds dad learns to walk again after horror crash
A Leeds father who had to learn to walk again after a horror crash has made a triumphant return to the classroom.
Ian Westmoreland, 50, was cycling home in December 2023 when he was hit by a van travelling over 60mph. He suffered a punctured lung and a fractured neck, leaving him paralysed from the waist down.
The dad-of-three has no memory of the crash and only recalls waking up in hospital to discover he could no longer use his legs. Ian, a former tank soldier who served in Iraq and Afghanistan during a 22-year stint in the army, described being paralysed as ‘the worst thing’ he’s ever faced.
He explained: “Before the injury I was a very physical person, I used to run marathons and do open water swimming. I was always active so coming to terms with not having that physical release was very difficult.
“When I left hospital, I couldn’t move my legs at all. However, with determination and the help of my physiotherapist I can now stand and walk with aids.
“It’s never going to be my primary mode of movement. But there is hope if you are willing to put the effort in, as it hurts like hell.”
In his darkest moments, he was motivated to keep going by his wife Michelle, 44, and their daughter, Penelope, 13.
And now two years on, the defiant teacher has a ‘renewed sense of purpose’ as he makes his return to the classroom for the first time since his injury.
Ian said: “My army training and my experience as a special needs teacher kicked in and I realised I needed to adapt and overcome what had happened to me.
“Returning to teaching was as important to me as the physical part of my recovery because it quickly became apparent I felt I had lost my sense of purpose.
“I love my job and get a huge sense of satisfaction from helping children with disabilities see that they have a future, and it has brought a renewed sense of purpose to my life that was severely missing.”
Ian, who teaches at Roger Cannon East SILC School in Harehills, hopes he can use his own story to show his students their disabilities do not define them.
He explained: “Sometimes you can sympathise with disabled people’s plight when you are able-bodied but now I am myself disabled and have suffered the physical and psychological hurdles that you have to get over, I can now truly empathise with my students.
“I want to use everything I’ve learned and my own experience to help the kids I’ll be working with to overcome some of the hurdles they are experiencing now.
“Hopefully with my own story I can help them find light at the end of the tunnel and realise their disability doesn’t define them, it’s what they do with their life that will define them.”
Just days after the incident, Ian’s wife instructed Fletchers Solicitors to investigate his case.
The family were referred to the firm via the Spinal Injuries Association (SIA) and after a lengthy claim, it was settled in November last year, ensuring his long term care was financed and allowing his family to move to a home specially adapted to his needs.
Ian said: “Without Fletchers I wouldn’t be here. This injury has been the single hardest thing I’ve ever had to deal with and will ever have to.
“I imagine there will still be hurdles in the future but I want people to know that you can get through it and there is always something to live for and a reason to keep going.”
Since then, Ian has written a book, completed an 90ft abseil and completed an 100km ride around Yorkshire on his hand bike.
Siobhan Thacker, Partner and Serious Injury Expert at Fletchers explained: "Working with Ian has been a genuine privilege, he has really let us in to his family, his life and how he was feeling throughout the process and that really enables us to do the job we need to do.
“To see Ian reach a point in his recovery where he is able to walk with aids is incredible, and it just reminds us why ensuring our clients have the best rehabilitation available is so important."
A spokesperson for the SIA said: “We are thrilled to see Ian live his dream of returning to teaching after his spinal cord injury. His journey showcases what is possible when specialist organisations like SIA partner with trusted legal experts like Fletchers.
“With his own hard work and determination through his recovery, and collaboration between our organisations, it is wonderful to see Ian rebuilding his life in the way that he wants.”