Amputee puts his best foot forward

Daniel Beddall of Grafton - working in caravan sections of Clarence Valley Auto after losing leg in a motorbike accident.

Adam Hourigan

LOSING a leg is no barrier to gaining employment and promotions – just ask Daniel Beddall.

The Grafton man is living proof overcoming adversity and getting back into the workforce is possible.

A tragic trail bike accident at Candole State Forest more than three years ago resulted in the amputation of his right leg.

Mr Beddall said he was always determined to get back to work and CRS Australia helped him realise his dream.

“During the three years I had off work I was always determined to get back into the workforce,” he said. “I was really amazed at how quickly CRS Australia managed to get me working.”

And after impressing his employer, Clarence Valley Auto, with his work ethic and ability, Mr Beddall said he had now been promoted.

“I was employed to do caravan repairs, but at the end of June two salesmen left so I do both sales and repairs now,” he said.

Following the August 2007 accident Mr Beddall spent three months in hospital and hundreds of hours doing rehabilitation and now is married to his childhood sweetheart Michelle. Mr Beddall, who endured gangrene, a golden staph infection, a bone infection and three amputation operations, said he uses his prosthetic leg “about 40 per cent of the time to get around”.

“I have adapted to crutches. I can carry half-a-dozen grocery bags and hop up and down ladders,” he said.

For more information about CRS Australia visit www.crsaustralia.gov.au.