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Final Touchdown
"From highflying professional pilot to near total paralysis - the human story"
John Lambert is a former RAF Hercules pilot and probably the youngest captain ever to fly on the Hercules fleet. On leaving the RAF he joined the airlines, travelling the world and becoming a Boeing 707 captain at the age of 31.
Disaster struck in 1981 when, at the age of 33, he broke his neck in a motorcycle accident whilst visiting the UK and became almost completely paralysed in an instant.
"Final Touchdown" closely follows the intimate details of his treatment through Stoke Mandeville Hospital, his psychological and emotional adjustment to such a disaster. The good, bad and occasionally abusive treatment from ward staff and his desperate search for somewhere to live when finally discharged.
This is an excellent read in its own right and certainly not only for those people who have a particular interest in spinal cord injuries. It's a very human story that describes the often nightmare journey from traumatic injury and medical treatment through to rehabilitation and resettlement.
It also shows that with determination a fully independent lifestyle can be achieved despite all the obstructions placed in the way of severely disabled people.
John was awarded an MBE in the New Year's Honours List in 2012 for his many years of voluntary work in support of fellow disabled people.
Review summary from 'Forward', the magazine of the Spinal Injuries Association, Dec 2012:
"His personal story was surprisingly gripping. Quite shocking were the tales of his treatment and rehab at Stoke Mandeville – there was no patient-centred approach then. He has used his skills and intelligence to work on voluntary basis, and has created for himself a fulfilling life. If you were injured as long ago as John you may find some of his stories reminiscent of your own rehab. If you were more recently injured, or you are a close family member, you may be encouraged to continue through your own rehab by reading this account."
Review summary from Aspire (the charity which supports people with spinal injury):
John Lambert’s ability to tell a really good story soon shone through in this book. In a nutshell, this book is an inspiring read, sometimes funny, sometimes sad. John offers words of experience and wisdom on the early days of injury and the practical side of spinal cord injury and will offer hope to anyone who has had a spinal injury or their family and friends.
John Lambert is a former RAF Hercules pilot and probably the youngest captain ever to fly on the Hercules fleet. On leaving the RAF he joined the airlines, travelling the world and becoming a Boeing 707 captain at the age of 31.
Disaster struck in 1981 when, at the age of 33, he broke his neck in a motorcycle accident whilst visiting the UK and became almost completely paralysed in an instant.
"Final Touchdown" closely follows the intimate details of his treatment through Stoke Mandeville Hospital, his psychological and emotional adjustment to such a disaster. The good, bad and occasionally abusive treatment from ward staff and his desperate search for somewhere to live when finally discharged.
This is an excellent read in its own right and certainly not only for those people who have a particular interest in spinal cord injuries. It's a very human story that describes the often nightmare journey from traumatic injury and medical treatment through to rehabilitation and resettlement.
It also shows that with determination a fully independent lifestyle can be achieved despite all the obstructions placed in the way of severely disabled people.
John was awarded an MBE in the New Year's Honours List in 2012 for his many years of voluntary work in support of fellow disabled people.
Review summary from 'Forward', the magazine of the Spinal Injuries Association, Dec 2012:
"His personal story was surprisingly gripping. Quite shocking were the tales of his treatment and rehab at Stoke Mandeville – there was no patient-centred approach then. He has used his skills and intelligence to work on voluntary basis, and has created for himself a fulfilling life. If you were injured as long ago as John you may find some of his stories reminiscent of your own rehab. If you were more recently injured, or you are a close family member, you may be encouraged to continue through your own rehab by reading this account."
Review summary from Aspire (the charity which supports people with spinal injury):
John Lambert’s ability to tell a really good story soon shone through in this book. In a nutshell, this book is an inspiring read, sometimes funny, sometimes sad. John offers words of experience and wisdom on the early days of injury and the practical side of spinal cord injury and will offer hope to anyone who has had a spinal injury or their family and friends.
192 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 29, 2012
6 people want to read
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January 27, 2014
I am humbled by John's courage, bravery and honesty in sharing his life experience. No person wants to go through that and his experience highlights just how precious life is, to live it so fully then be totally dependant on others and adjusting all the time, each and every day, even now. I take my hat off to you Sir for all the work you have done for others in your situation.
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