David Bracher

I live in Oxfordshire with my wife and two young children. I was struck down by a rare combination of two illnesses in October 2008 (Guillain-Barre Syndrome and Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis for the record), but the net result was pretty comprehensive damage to my spinal cord at T10.  It was while I was at Stoke Mandeville that I discovered SIA.  The information stand with its red-shirted volunteers became an invaluable source of information and advice, always delivered with patience and understanding.  I quickly realised the importance of SIA to myself and my family and filled out the membership form.  Since then, I’ve become more actively involved and am currently working towards being validated as a ‘Your Voice’ and Master-class trainer.  I also regularly go back to Stoke Mandeville to listen and talk to newly injured patients and their families, to try and offer the same support I was lucky enough to benefit from.  I decided to apply to be a Trustee because I want to play an active and practical role in the continuing development and strategic progress of the SIA in these difficult times.  As a Quality and Audit Manager with a large insurance company, I can apply a logical and structured approach to complex situations and I also have excellent analytical and communication skills. I believe that these skills, alongside my commitment and enthusiasm, will enable me to make a positive contribution to SIA’s Governing Council.