Matt Bassett never imagined it’d be possible to work full-time after his spinal cord injury. A year into his role at BBC Cardiff, he’s reframed the limits of possibility.
“The idea of working felt impossible. I remember thinking, how could I, even if I wanted to?”
Friday 13 May 2011 started out like any other. It was beautiful and sunny in Broadhaven, Pembrokeshire and I couldn’t wait to get in the sea for a dip. I dove into the next oncoming wave and then hit my head on the seafloor.
My arms and legs immediately went lifeless. Panic set in. I held my breath, knowing that at any moment I’d need to inhale. Thankfully, I was pulled to safety and was flown to hospital by air ambulance.
After all the CT and MRI scans, I was told I’d broken my neck. An operation to secure the injury was booked in for the next day. It was frightening not knowing what damage I had done – there was a high possibility I’d never walk again. It was a scary, lonely night. I had no choice but to look ahead. I was 19.
Adjusting to life with a spinal cord injury
Over the coming days, weeks, and months there was a lot to get my head around. I’d sustained a C5 injury. My hands no longer worked liked they used to, and I had to learn to push myself around in a wheelchair. I had to get used to living life a totally different way – being reliant on carers to help with the simplest of tasks and personal care. The idea of working was far away.
Spinal rehab was tough, but I had some great times. I even met my future wife Amanda there who was training to be a nurse. It took seven years for us to realise we were made for each other, and we were married in 2021.
After 10 months in hospital, I went home. However, my personal care was all over the place, often took half the day and I had accidents regularly. The idea of working felt impossible. I remember thinking, how could I, even if I wanted to?
After a few years and with a better routine in place, I began volunteering which got me back into a routine, meeting new people and gave me a sense of well-being.
In 2014 I started working nine hours a week for the spinal injuries’ charity Aspire which suited me perfectly.
Meantime, I was looking for other little challenges along the way. I volunteered for an accessible theatre company, started getting jobs as an extra, and even became a regular presenter on Weatherman Walking on BBC Wales.
A route into journalism
Presenting gave me a buzz and I realised I wanted to work in the media. I found the charity Ability Today and discovered they ran The Academy for Disabled Journalists – online courses for people with a disability to study an accredited qualification with the NCTJ in journalism. I began the course in 2022. The team at Ability Today were brilliant, giving me just the boost I needed and I’m very thankful for their ongoing support.
At the beginning of 2023, I was encouraged to apply for a BBC journalism apprenticeship – I initially put the idea off as it was full-time, and I wasn’t confident about managing to fit in work around my care needs. After a lengthy application process, I got the call congratulating me on gaining a place. I was itching to get started on this new adventure and in September 2023, began a career my journalism.
Daily working life
My days look different now, I drive to work for around 9.30am, although sometimes I take the train to cut out morning traffic. Now it’s winter, I make sure I keep myself warm. I’ve got fleece lined jeans to ensure my legs don’t get cold and always grab a hot coffee when I get to the office.
I’ve had to go into Cardiff to gather quotes from the public in the freezing cold. I chuck a thick jacket on and a woolly hat. It’s all about being prepared!
During winter, getting up and going home in the dark can be challenging so I make sure I get outside the office for a bit of fresh air – if the rain stops!
My newsroom jobs include searching for news stories, writing articles, contacting people to talk on the radio or creating short videos for the BBC Wales website. Every day is different.
Access to Work funded a new wheelchair and a support worker, to ensure I had the best start to my new role.
The apprenticeship looked like it would be an impossible task. But with help from my care team and understanding managers, I’ve had a successful year in the job. At times it has been a juggling exercise and I’m thankful for the tech enabling me to work from home.
Everyone is on different journeys. It’s taken me 12 years to find a full-time job that suits my abilities. Getting here meant saying lots of little yeses even when it felt daunting, taking on new challenges, and believing I have something to give. The world is getting more accessible and there is help and support to get back to work.
“Getting here meant saying lots of little yeses even when it felt daunting, taking on new challenges, and believing I have something to give.”
More information
For more information on The Academy for Disabled Journalists visit: abilitytoday.com/ability-today-academy/
This article was featured in the Winter 2024 edition of FORWARD magazine
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