Losing my eyesight

In 1980, I left Pitmaston Sixth Form to begin study in 'graphic design', at Bournville School of Art. After qualifying as a graphic designer, I worked in an art studio called 'Cavalier Press'. This was short lived as the company fell into liquidation. I attempted to be a freelance artist, but without much success!

I then discovered that my focus and vision for the future changed when I found myself studying Theology at a Bible College in Nottinghamshire. In 1987, whilst pastoring a church in the Eastern valley of South Wales, I married Judith. This year was to bring a crisis regarding our health. Judith had to have a brain operation and later, I lost my eyesight.

Double transplant ... given just three days to live

For approximately one year I studied music and computers in Crosskeys College, South Wales. Then on May 1st 1991, I was called for a double transplant of both kidney and pancreas. My music and computer courses were cut short due to the transplant, but you can appreciate which was more important! In September 1991, I was given three days to live after having multiple infections in the blood stream.

Tragedy ... death of my wife

In November 1993, Judith and I were involved in a head on car crash with a combined impact of 100 miles per hour (160 kilometres per hour). Judith died 10 days later in intensive care. Still in Church ministry, in 1996, my kidney transplant failed, which meant I would have to be on kidney dialysis three times a week, every week. This meant that my regular trips to Eastern Europe would have to be put on hold. In January 1998, I had my second kidney transplant and later that year paid a visit to Poland.

God gives me a future and a hope

Yet through all of this and more, I had the determination to press on … the courage to move forward. Some may say, "Well how did you do it"? Having a loving Christian family around me played its part … Christian friends played their part too.

Through it all though, I am convinced that my strong faith in God and His Word has brought me to where I am today. Over a decade later, moments still arise which cause me to remember, anniversaries especially. No matter what, the knowledge of His love and His purpose for me has been a driving force.

I am reminded many times of His Word when He declares to us, "For I know the plans that I have for you, plans for good and not for evil, plans to prosper, to give a hope and a future". Yes, the questions may have been many, but indeed I know and trust in someone (Jesus) who has all the answers.

My life now

In 2000, a trip of a lifetime to Hong Kong and Australia was to prove how well I was progressing with my health. In 2001, I was to find new love and on September 6th 2003 Rachel and I were married. Rachel is from Pengam in South Wales. Rachel and I now live in South Yorkshire with my guide dog Rula where I am still involved in Church ministry and writing and composing songs. We travel the country sharing my story and songs in concert.

David

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