ADVERTISEMENT
RugbyDump
REGISTER
LOGIN
ADVERTISEMENT
RugbyDump
Friday Dec 7, 2018

Henry Fraser: A story of hope and inspiration in the face of tragedy

Henry Fraser’s world changed forever in the Summer of 2009. While on holiday with his mates, an accident left him paralysed from the shoulders down. Jim Hamilton narrates this Rugbypass short documentary about how Henry decided to make the most of life, inspiring many around the globe.

ADVERTISEMENT

This film in the Exceptional Stories series alternates between Henry’s description of life before and after the accident, with older brother Will – a former flanker with Saracens – describing how the rest of the family has had to adjust.

At the time of the accident, 17-year old Henry was a developing player in the Saracens Academy. Will admits there was some initial shock and frustration. He vividly recalls the moment he went to hug Henry and then being told he couldn’t hug back.

Of the accident, Henry said: “I opened my eyes and I was just staring down at the seabed, just floating there, just looking at my arms, literally just lifeless in front of me… I’ve never been so scared in my life.”

He was rescued but quickly realised just how extensive the damage was. He had dislocated the fourth vertebrae in his neck and had to have major surgery to fix his severed spine. To make matters worse, his heart stopped twice.

Henry finally grew tired of the constant negativity and decided to make a change.

He has now become an accomplished author, motivational speaker, and painter. He’s become extremely adept at using a mouth pen for writing on his tablet. He also paints his stunning artwork with a brush he holds in his mouth.

ADVERTISEMENT

When asked what he would be doing if things had remained the same, Henry said: “I’d probably still be playing rugby, but actually I think I’ve probably made more of my life now than I might have done if I’d just been playing rugby.”

Many will remember this Instagram video from earlier in the year, showing Henry in training:

Credit: Rugbypass

ADVERTISEMENT

Comments




Related Articles

  • 154 WEEKS AGO

    'They don't know what's going to happen tomorrow,...

  • 167 WEEKS AGO

    How do you perform when blind in one eye?...

  • 176 WEEKS AGO

    Sexton's half-time speech helped turn the...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Seriously impressive Courtney Lawes compilation released after England player calls time on international career

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Fiji number eight Viliame 'Bill' Mata scores audacious try

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Wild scenes in Toulouse as Portugal seal last gasp comeback win over Fiji

  • 12 WEEKS AGO

    South African schoolboy produces the greatest goosey in the sport

  • 14 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible team try showcases thrills of the grassroots game

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Streaker causes major bust up as he tackles player

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Monster hit from Perrin leaves Bristol Bears player stunned

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Posolo Tuilagi's massive tackle lights up Top 14

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Theo Dan in the centre of 'punch' storm as possible infringement missed

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Seriously impressive Courtney Lawes compilation released after England player calls time on international career

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Compilation video shows Jamie George's surprising box of tricks

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Eddie Jones reported to have negotiated return to Japan national side

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Rees Zammit hits Olympic level as 100m sprint time is officially finally released

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    Shocking record set to be broken at this year’s World Cup

  • 14 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible team try showcases thrills of the grassroots game

View All

Funnies

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Streaker causes major bust up as he tackles player

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Luke Cowan-Dickie left red faced after losing very costly bet

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Mack Hansen proves once again that he is a hero in Ireland

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Irish players brilliantly take the p*** out of Sexton on plane intercom

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Brilliant video of Andy Farrell readying the Irish troops for battle

View All

Amateur

  • 46 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 46 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 69 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 69 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 70 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 17 HOURS AGO

    The key change Steve Borthwick has made to England squad selection

  • 1 DAY AGO

    Siya Kolisi opens up about stabbing incident in powerful interview with Dan Biggar

  • 1 DAY AGO

    BREAKING: Owen Farrell to step away from England duties entirely

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    Community mourning loss of 29-year-old rugby player Melita Williams

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    Stuart Barnes advises RFU to take on board Cipriani’s teachings

View All