Coquelin credits friends after beating paralysis

LOCAL angler Adie Coquelin has fought his way back from paralysis to win one of the top honours at the Open Alderney Angling Festival. But he would not be fishing again if it were not for his friends.

In 1997, Coquelin was paralysed from the chest down after blood got into his spine.

This year he won the accolade of best Channel Islands angler at the competition in Alderney.

'If it were not for my friends helping me, I wouldn't be fishing - I'm full of praise for them being there.'

Specialists told him that he had more chance of winning the lottery than being struck down with the condition.

'It happened on 15 March, a day I'll never forget in my life. I was going shopping, when I walked into the Co-op I felt a pain in my chest, like heartburn.

'When I got home, I just couldn't get comfortable, so I asked my girlfriend to phone the hospital.'

He felt the first pains at 6.15pm and two hours later was paralysed.

'It was just like that; I didn't know what was doing it.'

He was flown to Southampton and operated on. A course of intensive physiotherapy followed. The specialist said it was very doubtful he would walk again.

'I didn't let it get to me in the end; I always said I was going to walk.'

After six months in a wheelchair, he began walking with the aid of crutches. After a year-and-a-half, Coquelin was able to do some work.

His friends rallied around to help.

'They did a sponsored walk to help buy a wheelchair, which I later donated back to the hospital - they were brilliant.'

When he was on crutches, he was able to fish again.

'It was a motivation thing; people pushed me to go.

'My mate, Ian, carried my rod and tackle and walked to the marks ahead of me, but there were still certain places we couldn't go.

'I fell over a few times but you just get up and carry on.'

Although he is now mobile, he cannot jog or jump higher than six inches.

The Alderney Open victory comes after he first competed in the event 15 years ago. In 1997 he fished the event while still on crutches.

'I wouldn't miss the competition for anything.

'We've been going for so long and there's a nice crowd of people with familiar faces that you can chat to.'