❤️‍ When Everything Changed

As I type this, on the 7th November 2025, 17 years ago on the same day, 2008, when I was just 18 years old, my life changed forever.

One ordinary morning on my way to work, I blacked out at a train station. I stumbled forward and fell onto the tracks directly in the path of the oncoming train due to take me to work.

Miraculously, I survived.

I sustained head and foot injuries, a broken pelvis (which is now pinned), and my right hand and forearm (my dominant arm) was run over by the train and later fully amputated in hospital. It’s believed that one of the train wheels stopping on my arm actually helped save my life by preventing me from bleeding out and the heated generated from the line and wheels cauterised my wound.

What followed was a long and painful journey; physically, emotionally, and psychologically. I had to relearn and adapt how to do everything, not just one-handed, but left-handed. I had to rebuild my confidence, independence, and sense of purpose.

But I made it. And I’ve spent every year since marking that day, the day I lived, as my “Life Day.” A tactic to help me move forward through PTSD.

Each year, I celebrate by doing something new, something brave, or something that reminds me just how lucky I am to still be here. Hiking new mountain routes, exploring new places, ticking things off my bucket list (which is ever growing), it’s become a tradition of gratitude and courage and one my friends and family celebrate with me.

18 Years Then, 18 Years Now

Next year (2026) marks a truly special milestone: 18 years as an able-bodied person… to now… 18 years as an amputee.

For most people, turning 18 represents freedom, growth, and the start of adulthood. For me, this anniversary represents the same - a coming of age for the second half of my life and my future.

To honour that, I’m planning something big! Something to truly test my strength and resilience. Something that I’ve hoped to achieve in some capacity for years. Only now, it’s got a new edge to it.

An Inter-railing Journey Across Europe.

I’ll travel by train through multiple countries, guided by “1000 Places to See Before You Die” - a book my Mum got me one year for Christmas because I hope to explore more through life.

At each stop, I’ll explore new cultures, try new experiences, and visit incredible places, reclaiming the very mode of transport that once nearly took my life, and transforming it into a symbol of healing, adventure, and hope.

‍♀️Why I Need Your Support

This journey will take place in the autumn and early winter months, over a few weeks.

Because PTSD can still be unpredictable, I’ll have a trusted companion with me, a friend and also a videographer. Together, we’ll document the entire journey for YouTube and Instagram, sharing every challenge and triumph, the epics highs and the undoubted lows, so others living with trauma, disability, or mental health struggles can see what’s possible when you consistently show up for yourself.

Your support will help make this journey a reality by covering:

• Travel and accommodation costs

• Accessibility and support needs

• Filming and editing equipment

• Charitable donations to causes close to my heart

As I travel, I’ll be donating part of the funds raised to charities that support amputees, trauma survivors, and mental health awareness charities, to give back to the communities that help people rebuild their lives.

I presently estimate in excess of £10,000 for this Wish to be achievable to the capacity I hope. My target fundraising goal will adjust as the next year comes but for now I’m starting low.

❤️ Why This Journey Matters

This trip isn’t just about travel, it’s about reclaiming life after loss, facing fear head-on, and showing others that healing and joy are possible, even after the unimaginable. It’s about bringing to life one of my biggest ideas and Wish.

It’s about turning pain into purpose. And a moto I’ve lived by, “Through Pain, Comes Strength” will truly come to life on this journey.

It will be about celebrating life itself - 18 years of survival, and 18 years of rediscovery.

How You Can Help

• Donate to help make this journey possible - I truly won’t be able to achieve this without your support

• Share my story to reach more people who may need to hear it

• Follow along on YouTube and Instagram for updates, videos, and reflections from the road

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for being part of this incredible milestone with me.

Here’s to 18 years of life reclaimed and to the adventures still to come.

Follow My Journey

Instagram: @KJ1Hand

YouTube: (Channel Link TBC)

#MyLifeDayJourney | #AmputeeStrong | #TraumaToTriumph #ThroughPainComesStrength #MentalResilience