A Ripon Grammar School sixth former says his life has taken a more positive direction than he imagined after being paralysed from the waist down in an accident.
Alan Nowicki was 15 when his spinal cord was crushed in a fall from a pull-up exercise bar.
At the time, he had ambitions of becoming a pilot in the Royal Air Force.
Now 17, and studying for his A-levels this summer, he is applying to study aerospace engineering at university and hopes to work in aircraft design in the future.
Alan studies maths, physics and chemistry at Ripon Grammar School.
Alongside his studies, he has passed his driving test and travels to school using a specially adapted car.
He also balances his academic work with around three hours of physiotherapy exercises a day, six days a week.
Reflecting on his progress, Alan said:
“It feels really good knowing that the things I thought weren’t possible after the accident still are in some way and it has given me a new perspective on things.
“I never thought that things would be as good as they are.
"I have come to terms with everything, I am not mad or angry or anything, I have accepted it and moved on.”
Alan has remained pain-free and continues to pursue his interest in flying. During work experience at the Yorkshire Gliding Club near Thirsk, he took part in a glider flight and has since begun lessons, with the aim of gaining a gliding licence.
Describing the experience, he said:
“It is difficult to describe, it is like being in a plane, but peaceful. I have full control of the stick and the brakes, but the instructor has to control the rudder because it is operated by pedal."
Access to a specially adapted glider would allow Alan to fly solo in the future.
A crowdfunding campaign helped fund treatment overseas, including stem cell therapy in Thailand, which is not available through the NHS. Alan has also travelled to Poland and Thailand for further treatment.
His mother, Kamila, said the family focused on maintaining his health and independence.
“To us, progress is him being healthy, fit, independent, doing his schoolwork, meeting his friends and going to the gym.
“He is not stuck at home and not bed bound. That is progress."
She added:
“I like to think that every parent would do the same for their kid, if something happens, you search high and low and try everything to help them to get better.
“I never thought we would be here in this place, everything was just daunting, very negative and we just tried to keep our heads above the water and not drown.”
Looking ahead, she said:
“He’ll go out there into the world and spread his wings, get that gliding licence, get that degree under his belt, and go out there do what he wants to do and be healthy, independent and pain-free.”
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