Man who fought back from horrific accident to help others honoured

Ivor Jess, a part time health and safety officer with Stoneyford Concrete, has raised over 100,000 for Disability Sport in Northern Ireland,

The keen sportsman is a member of the Knights Basketball team based at the Antrim Forum. He also founded the Freewheelers who run an annual charity cycle around Lough Neagh, the tennis wheelchair group Spokes in Motion based at Belfast Indoor Tennis Club at Ormeau and a skiing group in Craigavon - Ski Ability.

Ivor became wheelchair bound in 1991 at just 28. His nephew had been diagnosed with kidney problems and had a kidney removed and Ivor had got together with a few friends to organise a charity cycle run around Lough Neagh.

"However while training he was involved in a head on crash near the Down Royal and broke his back, robbing him of his ability to walk.

But he refused to allow his disability to get him down and instead channelled his energies into setting up wheelchair sports groups and raising money for Disability Sport in Northern Ireland.

"I was an electrician by trade but my wife Karen, who has been such an inspiration, was a keen sports person and I just thought I would take on the challenge of keeping taking part in sport" Ivor said.

"I never really looked back. I thought I would just continue on with my life in a positive way."

Unable to take part in the annual cycle that year Ivor has since taken part in a specially adapted wheelchair helping to raise thousands to help purchase sports wheelchairs.

Determined not to allow his injuries prevent him taking part in the sports he loves Ivor went to the ski slope at Craigavon and persuaded the organisers to allow him to ski down it using a monoski. He later founded a disabled skiing group.

The Spokes in Motion tennis club he founded were ranked 19th in the world at one stage. He also set up a handcycle club in 1990s which met at the Antrim Forum.

"I have always liked to keep myself active and fit but I love to raise money for Disability Sport," he said.

"My inspiration has always been my wife and two girls Angelina (11) and Megan (9).

"My family keep me strong and motivated.

"I think that sports helps disabled people get out of the sofa and gets them involved. It is good for your body and well being and it helps to get out for a bit of craic."

The money Ivor has helped to raise has bought sports wheelchairs, many of which help children take part in sport.

"The specially adapted wheelchairs cost about 2000. So if we raise a few thousand it does not take long before the money us used up" he explained.

"We also raise money through bag packing and other events."

Ivor said that he was honoured to receiving the award.

"It is nice to get recognition," he said, "but I am still plain old Ivor Jess and that will not change. "