Student overcomes severe spinal injury to graduate with first class degree
During a tackle, he felt a pain down his right arm which became worse when he got home.
Scans revealed Mr Wills-Johnson had suffered a herniated disc in his neck.
This meant the cartilage between two of his vertebrae had prolapsed, pushing against his spinal cord.
'The doctors told me that without treatment, the excruciating electric shocks would continue and I could end up paralysed if I risked playing contact sport again,' he said.
'It was hard to hear, but I had to face the reality of it.'
He underwent emergency surgery and doctors removed the cartilage between his fifth and sixth vertebrae.
'They replaced it with titanium and screwed it in place. It was frightening but I knew I had no choice,' he said.
The surgery stopped the progression of the injury but his recovery has been far from easy.
Two and a half-years later, the University of Bristol student still suffers chronic nerve pain in his arm.
Surgeons told him he could not play American football again, and he has moved into coaching.
He returned as coach and vice president of the university's team, Bristol Barracudas.
'I couldn't play but I still loved being involved with the team,' he said.
'I became a coach, and I started the flag football team – a form of non-contact American football to help injured players back in so they could train doing something that's slightly less risky and get their strength back up.
'It wasn't the same as playing but I was able to stay connected to the sport and the community that meant so much to me.'
Growing up in Gloucestershire, Mr Wills-Johnson was the first in his family to attend university and he has now graduated with a first class master's degree in biological sciences.
'I've loved my time at Bristol. I felt that I've fully taken part in all the different facets of university life,' he said.
'I want to thank all the people who made my university experience what it was.
'From the academics and coaches who helped me to the friends I made along the way, you've all been amazing. I will always be grateful for my time here.
'Life will always give you setbacks but by showing resilience you can bounce back from the challenges and make the most of your situation.
'From rock bottom, the only way is up.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
BBC News
21 hours ago
- BBC News
Olympian and experts call for major overhaul of PE kits
There needs to be a major overhaul of girls' PE kits to boost participation in sports, experts have comes as figures show less than half of secondary school-aged girls are meeting daily activity guidelines of completing an hour of physical activity every GB Olympian Tess Howard MBE has joined the campaign to improve girls' PE kits, working with University of Bristol researchers who have led a major study into the issue. They recommend that PE uniforms should be offered in a range of styles to suit all pupils and should not be Howard said: "Kit is a public health issue and it's a barrier that can be lifted." Ms Howard, founder of non-profit Inclusive Sportswear, added that far too often, traditional kit policies inadequately forget the purpose of sport, which she believes is to have who took part in the university's study called for more sportswear options, including being able to wear leggings and longer tops. The study, published on Thursday in BMJ Open, involved 12 to 13-year-old girls and PE teachers from mixed-sex schools in Bristol and South Gloucestershire. It found many girls feel self-conscious in compulsory PE kit items, particularly when they are tight or Alice Porter, from the University of Bristol, said: "Our findings clearly evidence that when girls don't have any choice over their PE uniform, this can be a deterrent to their participation, especially for girls who feel self-conscious and are lacking in self-confidence."One pupil we spoke to commented, 'you see other people and they look better in their PE kit than you do."The study's findings are already shaping a national resource, the Inclusive Sportswear Community Platform, which offers free advice for schools to design more inclusive PE policies.
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Brits issued warning on pressing common button in their car as it can 'slow your brain down'
A doctor has urged caution when it comes to using a function inside your car that you probably don't realise has the bizarre ability to impair your cognitive powers and can therefore poses a safety risk when driving Modern cars have many useful features to make life easier and your driving experience more enjoyable. As well as all the warning alerts, such as low fuel and battery, tire pressure and seatbelt indicators, there are other handy buttons that can help in troublesome situations. Popping on the heated windscreens is a godsend on freezing cold mornings when you don't want to stand shivering in chilly weather scraping ice from your car before you can safely get on your way. Similarly the air recirculation button is great on a boiling hot summer's day when you get into your vehicle and realise it is actually possible to be roasted alive at the wheel. READ MORE: 'I married Nigerian toyboy and had twins at 56 - my kids were fuming but I don't care' Usually located near the air conditioning button, this feature stops hot external air from entering the car, meaning you can cool the inside down quicker. It's also great to stick it on when you're stuck behind a gas guzzling heap that is pumping out black fumes from its exhaust. However, you need to use this button with caution, according to an American medic. Doctor Clay Moss has warned that keeping the function on for too long can actually do more harm than good because it has the potential to slow down your brain. "This familiar button in your car may help with smog... but not with brain fog," he states in a video on his Instagram page. "You guys remember this little guy right here that we always love putting on?" he asks. "That little recirculation symbol stops outside air from getting in, which is great when you're trying to quickly cool off the air on a hot day, but it can have unintended consequences over time." The doc goes on to reveal that carbon dioxide can build up quickly in a sealed car. "30 minutes of recirculation and you could easily exceed 12,000ppm [parts per million] of CO2, where your brain literally starts to slow down," he explains. If you take into account other passengers in the car, he says you can easily hit 2,500ppm - 3,000ppm of carbon dioxide. The result of this would be feeling drowsy, foggy and irritable - none of which are conducive to safe driving. The doctor's video claims are backed up by evidence too. ScienceDirect highlights studies which prove that: "Elevated CO2 levels lead to fatigue, weariness, drowsiness, sleepiness, etc. and limit the ability to concentrate." It also stated that: "An efficient strategy for CO2 reduction in vehicles is needed to improve in-vehicle air quality and driving safety." In his Insta post, the doctor points to a 2018 study of US driving conditions that found with four people in a car, so a typical family, up to 75% of trips exceed 2500ppm CO₂ on long drives. In this situation, cognitive performance starts to drop with slower reaction times caused by drowsiness, brain fog and even a lowered heart rate. However there is no need to be too alarmed because the remedy is pretty quick and very simple. "Now, the fix is super easy," he assures. "You just either crack the window, or switch to the fresh air mode and turn off the recirculation mode for just two minutes. It flushes the CO2 out and keeps your brain sharp." Signing off with a final warning, he says: "Your car's climate settings aren't just about comfort, they mess with your cognition too. So breathe better, drive safe."
BBC News
3 days ago
- BBC News
Funeral of cricket legend Syd Lawrence ends with tributes
Update: Date: 16:00 BST Title: 'Rest easy big man' Content: Perhaps fittingly on the day one of their most popular players was laid to rest, Gloucestershire head to Somerset tonight to face their local rivals in a T20 Blast clash where fans will be hoping they show the same fighting spirit that epitomised the career of David "Syd" Lawrence. The last word goes to Trojan Fitness in Bristol, the gym which Lawrence was connected to as a bodybuilder, who said on X, external simply: "Rest easy now big man." Update: Date: 15:59 BST Title: Our coverage is ending Content: Our live coverage of the funeral of David 'Syd' Lawrence is coming to an end now, thank you for following it with us as friends and family said goodbye to the Bristol and Gloucestershire legend. Update: Date: 15:55 BST Title: 'I'm not scared to die' Content: Lawrence, the Gloucestershire president, with James Bracey after the club won their first T20 Blast title in 2024 In an interview with BBC Breakfast in September, following his MND diagnosis, Lawrence said it was tough to have to rely on people. "If you've been a big strong man all your life and this comes and hits you, it's a tough one to take. Really tough," he said. "I always wanted to do things for people and now I have to rely on people to do things for me. I need a carer every day to dress me, to shower me. You've got to park your ego at the door and get on with it," he added. Talking about death, Lawrence told the BBC he was not scared to die. "Most people are scared of not knowing but I know how I am going to die. You can't look too much into the future, that will scare you. We are all going to die. I just know how I am going to die. I'm not scared," he added. Update: Date: 15:50 BST Title: Hundreds attended funeral Content: More than 300 people were at the funeral, demonstrating how popular and influential Lawrence was a cricketer and a person. Many remained outside the church to share memories of him. Update: Date: 15:30 BST Title: Funeral now ended Content: Pallbearers and the congregation have started to leave the church, following the funeral service. Update: Date: 15:14 BST Title: 'He took the illness head on' Content: Former cricketer Andy Brassington said he was with Lawrence, who he was friends with for more than 44 years, just an hour before his death. "He's given hope to people. We all need heroes, we all need idols and Syd was there for so many people," he said. "It's been a terrible illness. He took it head on, like he did with everything. "His appearance was everything to him, yet he put himself in the shop window to show people how this disease can tear your body apart." Speaking outside the church Lawrence's funeral is taking place, Mr Brassington added he "has lost a best mate". "It was a difficult situation for us all, and it was time for Syd to go. But right until the end was there he was positive." Update: Date: 15:10 BST Title: 'Your background doesn't matter' Content: Lawrence's first captain, David Graveney said: "His legacy to the game is in many, many forms." Mr Graveney, who is now Vice Chairman of Gloucestershire, said he had watched Lawrence develop from a county bowler into an international star. "The fact he was the first English-born black person to play for England was a thing he was very proud of and he was the first black president of the cricket club - another thing he was really proud of. "He shows that actually it doesn't matter what your background is. If you apply yourself then the sky's the limit," Mr Graveney added. Update: Date: 15:02 BST Title: Details of the service Content: The service is now under way at St Mary Redcliffe Church in Bristol. Revd Rupert Martin is leading the funeral, with the hymns including the well-known 'The Lord is my Shepherd'. A eulogy will be read by George Orchard, followed by family tributes from Shauna Mighty and Bev Powell, Alice Lawrence and Buster - Lawrence's son. The Bristol Reggae Windrush Choir, which performed outside the church before the service began, will also be singing as part of the service. The service will end with a reflection from the Rev Martin. The funeral will be followed by a wake at the County Ground in north Bristol. Update: Date: 14:58 BST Title: 'MBE will be part of my legacy' Content: Lawrence received an MBE in the King's Birthday Honours in June for his services to cricket. Referring to the MBE letters, in an interview with the BBC, Lawrence said: "It is not something I ever thought would sit after my name. "I am absolutely delighted that it will do so for however long I am here, and will be a part of my legacy when I am gone." Update: Date: 14:46 BST Title: 'Husband, father, brother' Content: The funeral order of service is adorned with Lawrence's accomplishments. "Husband, father, brother, sportsman and MBE", it reads. The latter being three letters Lawrence said he "never" thought would come after his name. Update: Date: 14:35 BST Title: 'His personality spread across the world' Content: Former England and Gloucestershire wicketkeeper Jack Russell MBE, who made his Test match debut at Lord's with Lawrence, said he was his "best mate". "We knew the love was there. We came early [to the church] and it is packed, it shows what he meant to a lot of people - not just in cricket but in general," he said. "His personality spread across the world," added Russell. "He was a trailblazer, he just had a great attitude. Everything was 100%,, he gave it his best shot with everything he did. One of the nicest guys you'll ever meet. "It's difficult to find the words to sum him up, but they don't come much better than Syd Lawrence." Update: Date: 14:29 BST Title: Coffin of David 'Syd' Lawrence arrives Content: The coffin of David 'Syd' Lawrence has been carried into the church, with the service expected to start soon. Among the pallbearers was Lawrence's son Buster, wearing a cream suit. Update: Date: 14:24 BST Title: Lawrence's family arrive Content: Lawrence's family have just arrived at St Mary Redcliffe church for the funeral. The former fast bowler leaves behind his wife Gaynor and son Buster. Update: Date: 14:22 BST Title: 'I achieved my dream' Content: Following his MND diagnosis in June 2024, Lawrence worked tirelessly to raise money and awareness of the condition. "As a proud Gloucester man who achieved his dream to play for England on the cricket field, it means a great deal to me and to my family who have supported me with all their love during some difficult times," he said. "I have always put my heart and soul into any challenge I have faced and that is how I have approached things since my diagnosis with motor neurone disease. "With awareness and funds for research we can make a positive difference for those who will need it in the future," he added. Update: Date: 14:13 BST Title: 'Wore his heart on his sleeve' Content: Former England batsman Mark Butcher said Lawrence was a "full-throttle, big-hearted individual" who "wore his heart on his sleeve". "Every time you met him there was a warmth there, a genuine love of seeing his old friends and a genuine sense of how much he enjoyed his career," Butcher said. Update: Date: 14:08 BST Title: Windrush Choir perform outside funeral Content: Bristol's Reggae Windrush Choir have been singing outside the church as guests arrived. Update: Date: 14:01 BST Title: Tufnell: Lawrence a 'great friend' Content: Phil Tufnell, Lawrence's friend and former England team-mate, is one of the members of the congregation today. Speaking to the BBC outside St Mary Redcliffe church, an emotional Tufnell said his "great friend" was "someone who you wanted on your side". " [He was a ] larger than life character. Filled the room when he came in. We had some great laughs along the way," the former spin bowler added. "He had this great big deep voice. He'd always say hello to everyone. It's sad that he had to go." Looking back at their time together, Mr Tufnell recalled Lawrence's serious knee injury, which he suffered while playing for England in New Zealand in 1992. "I was playing in that Test match when he fractured his kneecap, and carried him off the field. It was a tough injury. He tried to fight his way back from it but I think it was impossible really," he said. "[But] he didn't let that get him down and he moved forward with a very positive attitude." Update: Date: 13:56 BST Title: 'A Gloucestershire icon' Content: Neil Priscott, Chief Executive Officer of Gloucestershire County Cricket Club said Lawrence had been "transformational" for the club which he made his debut for in 1981, and then became President of, He said Lawrence "brought infectious spirit" and "energy" to the role. "He wanted us to reach out to communities far and wide, push ourselves, do more, find the next generation of talent. That infectiousness sort of carried everyone with him. "Syd's been an icon for this club on the field and off it," he added. "We absolutely want to continue that legacy and do that in his honour." Update: Date: 13:51 BST Title: 'A story of resilience' Content: This video can not be played In the months after his MND diagnosis, Lawrence put together his autobiography, a story he said was one of "resilience and character". The book, called In Syd's Voice - The Extraordinary Life of Syd Lawrence, was written in collaboration with Dean Wilson and launched at a charity cricket match in Downend, Bristol in June. Speaking at the time, Mr Wilson said: "It's a story about resilience - actually a story about character, and he had them both." Update: Date: 13:46 BST Title: 'An example to young black players' Content: Dr Guy Reid-Bailey met Lawrence as a teenager, when the parents of the future fast bowler brought him to Bristol because they were worried he may fall in with the wrong crowd in his home city of Gloucester. Guy, from the Bristol West Indies Cricket Club, told BBC Points West presenter David Garmston that he became a mentor to the young Lawrence. "He needed someone he could look up to. And I was always there for him," he said. "He played cricket in the way it should be played. He listened, he learned, and he did it." When Lawrence was made President of Gloucestershire County Cricket Club in 2022, Guy was his Vice President. "A lot of young black players did see him as an example for them to become good players - not to play for the county or England, but to play league cricket in the west of England," he added.
