Despite a series of failed surgeries and a daily struggle with pain and mental strength, he credits his outlook on life in general with where he is today.
Before he became a right below knee amputee in 2013 - the outcome of an ongoing battle with Charcot Marie Tooth (CMT) disease - Paul threw a ‘Leg Off Party’ and invited all his family and friends.
That attitude to what might cause others to retreat within themselves is also what drove Paul into a volunteer peer support role with Limbs 4 Life Australia.
This month, Paul re-dedicated himself to the non-profit organisation, empowering amputees by becoming a member of its National Council.
CMT is caused by genetic faults. In some cases it is inherited, due to a new mutation of the gene.
With the decision to become an amputee two years in the making, Paul said a sense of humour was an important tool he needed to accommodate living with his disability.
His ‘Leg Off Party’ was held at the Exchange Hotel Deniliquin two to three weeks prior to his operation.
The hotel was completely booked out for Paul and his guests to party the night away.
His guests came armed with a similar humorous approach to the pending surgery, evidenced by the single left foot sock and a teddy bear with no right leg that were presented among his gifts.
This year marks nine years as an amputee for Paul, and eight since he started offering guidance to other amputees through Limbs 4 Life Australia.
While his job as operations manager at Field Air already keeps him quite busy, Paul says he always finds the time to provide assistance to amputees and their families, both locally and interstate.
“My experience having CMT and being a below knee amputee allows me to help amputees and their families through the process and life after having travelled the same road,” he said.
“It is incredible to be able to help people and offer support.
“Some people take longer than others to want help.
“When they are ready, I offer assistance prior to their operation and follow up calls there after.”
Paul also serves as an inspiration to other amputees, showing that it does not need to hold you back.
In his other volunteer role, Paul is senior deputy of aviation for the Rural Fire Service’s Mid Murray Support Brigade.
Now as a National Council member, Paul takes on more of an advocacy role.
In this new role he is part of an advisory committee that lobbies for much needed changes for people with a disability.
Paul said he was inspired to take on more of a role in this sphere by what he sees and experiences.
He said there’s always more that can be done to ease the challenges experienced by those with a disability.
“A daily local hazard is the unloading from taxis, especially those wheelchair bound, anywhere down the main street,” Paul said.
“The narrow roads pose an extreme risk from the passing traffic.”
Paul said education within the community is also an important step moving forward, particularly that not all disabilities are visible.
He said he’s been challenged many times for using disabled parking spaces.
“I’ve resorted to pulling up my trouser leg to prove my disability in order to subdue the ‘do-gooders’ into minding their business,” he said.
“But it’s not something I should have to defend.”
For more information about Linbs 4 Life, or to donate to support its support programs and advocacy efforts, go to www.limbs4life.org.au or www.facebook.com/Limbs4Life.
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