Unbowed: A Soldier's Journey Back from Paralysis

by Billy Hedderman

Unbowed: A Soldier's Journey Back from Paralysis is the story of a dramatic recovery from diagnosed quadriplegia to a level of functionality rarely seen. Billy Hedderman was body boarding on the Sunshine Coast, Australia on New Year's Eve 2014, when a wave dumped him into the sand. He broke his neck, back and suffered immediate spinal cord damage, paralysing him from the neck down. Lucky not to drown, Billy was rushed to Queensland's premier spinal injuries unit where he began the difficult road to recovery. Yet incredibly within seven months of his injury, the incomplete quadriplegic ran a 10 km race in Brisbane in under one hour. Billy details how his previous life experience - such as service in the elite Special Forces unit Army Ranger Wing, and the death of his two close friends - have assisted in his mental toughness to prevail against all expectations. The book provides insight into Irish Special Forces from a recent serving tactical commander. Billy is currently a serving Captain in the Australian Infantry.

288 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 9, 2018

Reviews

[Nic · Rating 3 out of 5]

"If one person tells me that my story or advice has assisted them, then all of the work that went into writing this book will have been worth it." (p277)

I listened to Billy Hedderman on a podcast and went straight out to get his book. Recently diagnosed with C5C6C7 spine damage, life for me has altered considerably, putting the brakes on almost everything in my everyday life.

Thank you, Billy. I take from your story your positive belief, mental fitness, and 'run don't walk' determination. You were lucky! Lucky that you didn't sever your spinal cord and lucky that you had an amazing wife to enable you in "your greatest hour of need" (p285). All the best in your ongoing recovery.

My three star rating is only that I found training for the Defence Force interrupted the chapters of recovery (which was of most interest to me), however the DF training and career is essential to Billy's story in overcoming paralysis and shows his incredible resilience, depth of determination and strength of character.

[Simon Armitage · Rating 4 out of 5]

rated 8/10 Not exactly an inspiring story in itself, but an interesting read to see how ones mental capacity can assist one over difficult periods in their life. Faced with being closed to crippled, Billy calls on his own resilience to get himself back to living a manageable life, though still striving daily to improve his lot in life. Worth a read especially if you are faced with what seems insurmountable odds in life.

[Luke Richmond · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great book written by a patriot. Absolute legend.