Philip was just 15 when a misjudged tackle changed his life – but he’s not sure he’d change a thing. It was 1979 and as he recovered in Otara Spinal Unit, nobody told him he’d never walk again. A rural boy who’d never thought of anything but farming, he gradually came to realise he might need to imagine a different future. 

Philip set himself up for a career in the burgeoning computer industry. He spent more than 15 years in software development, using a mouthstick to operate the keyboard before the physical demand took too great a toll. Leaving that work reopened the door to his lifelong dream of managing the family dairy farm. He’s proud to have kept the family tradition alive for a fifth generation and, in his custom-built house overlooking the wild Taranaki coast, it’s clear there’s nowhere he’d rather be. For more than 40 years Philip has worked as an advocate for disability issues, including on the local CCS committee, Taranaki Parafed, a council working party and an ACC advisory group. He also runs his own company to employ his carers, billing ACC for the hours so he can look after the people who look after him. 

Philip is grateful for the Rugby Foundation’s support and especially enjoys the camaraderie with other members, along with access to many great rugby games over the years. He says he wouldn’t be where he is today without great friends and family members who see the man and not the chair.