Cynthia’s Story

What happened?

In 2007 I was in a plane crash and suffered full thickness burns to 60% of my body and I also lost both my legs.

My treatment and recovery journey

I was treated at RPH for my burns and given physiotherapy to help my recovery. I had to learn to walk with prosthetics.

My life now

When I was told that my PhD thesis had been approved for award, there were two people, apart from husband and parents, who I immediately wanted to tell – Fiona Wood and Dale Edgar.

The life I have now only exists because of Fiona and her team who saved my life, and Dale who kept me moving, helped me sit up for the first time and took me for my first ride in a wheelchair out of the front doors at RPH. I want them to know that their work is incredibly appreciated. 

Walking with the use of prosthetics enables me to work and teach. I keep as active as I can, swimming, doing pilates and kayaking.

Despite what happened to me in 2007, I know I am incredibly lucky to be sharing my life with my amazing husband and son.

Cynthia Banham