Claire McBeth on how to remain positive and full of hope despite her son’s tragic accident

Claire’s son Chris was 13 when he was accidentally hit by a car on his way home from school which left him quadriplegic and unable to speak. This is a story that is both hard to hear, because we prefer to keep the reality of these devastating events out of mind, but also inspirational. Despite this tragic accident, Claire shows how it’s changed her perspective on life and taught her to appreciate what really matters.

In this episode we discuss:

• The importance of communication, of not struggling alone. It’s vital to allow yourself to feel and ask for help. People don’t know what you need unless you tell them.
• Why love is the strongest medicine. Claire’s love for Chris and the love she shares with her husband enabled them to build resilience personally and collectively as a family.
• The recognition that hate is a heavy contaminating burden to carry and how voicing her anger and resentment releases this.
• How we have the power to choose the attitude we take, despite being powerless in what happens to us.
• A severe life changing injury to someone in our family is devastating. It is a painful road to come to terms with such a massive loss. Whilst allowing the feelings we have in the present, it is helpful to acknowledge that feelings change, what we feel now doesn’t predict how we will feel in the future.
• How there are often other casualties in a family when tragedy strikes.
• The assumptions we make about disability and what life could be like can be turned on their head. We learn that Chris has a meaningful, important and worthwhile life despite his profound disabilities.
• Why faith can keep us grounded and that looking towards a higher power for answers can give us strength and meaning.
• How we can find strength despite enormous loss and how we will never know how strong we are until we are forced to discover it.

Child Brain Injury Support links: https://childbraininjurytrust.org.uk/

Julia’s Website: https://juliasamuel.co.uk/

Julia’s Instagram: @juliasamuelmbe

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Produced by Georgie Rutherford

Edited by Nick Kingswell

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