The Road Back
2024
Acrylic on canvas, 80 x 100cm
"In October 2015, I faced a life-altering incident when I was involved in a serious bike accident on Penny Pot Lane in Harrogate. The impact was devastating: I broke my neck and back, fractured my right wrist, dislocated my left thumb, and suffered a severe fracture of my right femur, which required a femoral nail to aid in healing.
The physical recovery was arduous, taking many months and demanding immense resilience. I found myself navigating the challenges of rehabilitation, both physically and mentally. The trauma of the accident weighed heavily on me, leading to feelings of anxiety and uncertainty about my future.
When Andy talked with Simon, he described his experience of EMDR and a cathartic moment when he entered a “white room with no walls or ceiling”. Andy’s painting seeks to convey both Simon’s physical and mental journey and the key roles that cycling and EMDR played.
To address the mental scars left by the accident, I sought treatment through Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), a therapeutic approach designed to alleviate distress associated with traumatic memories. I found this method profoundly beneficial, helping me process my experiences and regain a sense of control over my life.
My journey illustrates not only the challenges of recovering from physical injuries but also the importance of addressing mental health in the aftermath of trauma. Through determination and the right support, I began to rebuild my life, one pedal stroke at a time".
Simon
