AS an optimistic and determined teenager, it took John McLeod just four months to get back behind the wheel of a car after he was paralysed in a road accident.

Fast-forward 29 years and he is the proud owner of a HGV licence as he starts a new career as a wagon driver.

 

When he was 19, Mr McLeod, of Witton Park, near Bishop Auckland, was walking along the road near Witton Castle when he was knocked over by a drink-driver.

His injuries left him immobile from the chest down yet there was never any doubt in his mind he would live a full and busy life.

"The spinal unit took me for an assessment as soon as possible to see if I could drive with hand controls and I was able to drive again four months after the accident.

"There have been times I've questioned life but I've always wanted to be independent, to drive and to work," he said.

After a few years concentrating on his health, Mr McLeod returned to the forestry career he had before his accident.

For a decade he ran his own business, Elm Tree Products, which he has recently taken a step back from.

 

Instead, he went to work on quarries for his older brother James who has a haulage firm, McLeod Haulage, based at Harperley POW Camp, near Crook.

 

After two years he stepped up a gear and recently passed his test to drive eight-wheel wagons on the open road, moving aggregate from quarries to construction sites.

He said: "I'm proud of myself really, it wasn't easy but it feels good as I passed first time.

"I don't want to be classed as any different to anyone else and that means working.

"The lads lift my wheelchair up to the cab on a forklift, I get in the driving seat like I do my pickup and the wagon has hand controls for the throttle and brake, an automatic gearbox and tailgate."

Mr McLeod, encouraged by his brother and family, is now considering taking his class one licence to drive articulated lorries.

Driving instructor Dan Brown, of Twinway LGV Driver Training, said: "I get a lot of job satisfaction when anyone passes their test after putting time and money in to find work, but never more so than with John. He is a great guy and really wants to work which is admirable. I learnt a lot from him."