Getting ready for a sporting summer: Nathan Hodges overcomes amputation challenges to continue sporting interest

Nathan Hodges, Mechanical Maintenance Manager at Robinson Brothers, has recently purchased a sports wheelchair to continue his interest in active sports.

In 2017, Nathan suffered a significant accident whilst routinely playing five-a-side football. 15 minutes into the game, Nathan stumbled and fell extending his left knee, which severed the popliteal artery. He then underwent four operations over two weeks; resulting in his leg being amputated above the left knee.

“My road to recovery has been tough. I had physiotherapy twice a week at the West Midlands Rehabilitation Centre and received my first prosthetic leg in July 2017. It was difficult and uncomfortable to wear” said Nathan. Nathan received a lot of support from the physiotherapists and prosthetists; allowing him to return to work in July 2017.

As a Mechanical Maintenance Manager, Nathan is responsible for mechanical maintenance on-site, including breakdowns, preventative maintenance and compliance. To support Nathan’s return to work, Robinson Brothers built accessible facilities adjacent to the mechanical engineering office and installed air conditioning to make the environment more comfortable.

“I have had a lot of support from friends and family, and also met former Aston Villa European Cup winner Peter Withe who visited me in hospital. On the back of that visit, a charity football match was arranged to raise money for the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham” said Nathan.

Nathan has returned to participating in competitive sports, including events sponsored by Limb Power. “I have tried a few different sports such as walking football, sitting volleyball, adapted cricket, wheelchair basketball and archery. I enjoyed wheelchair basketball the most”. Nathan will continue to play wheelchair basketball every week and will join a competitive league next season.