'I was told I’d never walk again - now I ride a Harley with my wife by my side'
To celebrate its 40th year, leading motorcycle insurance broker Carole Nash is sharing the story of customer Jay Wild, who has defied the odds to reclaim his lifelong passion for motorbikes after being told he’ll never walk again.
From Rainham Kent, Jay, cares for 30 people with complex needs including mental health and addiction issues. But outside of work, he finds freedom on two wheels.
“I started riding bikes at 17, and have had several over the years,” explains Jay, now 55. “I’ve always been into bikes and decided in my teens that I would one day own a Harley Davidson.”
Sixteen years ago, Jay broke his back falling down a flight of stairs and was told he would never walk again. Refusing to accept that fate, he rebuilt his strength and eventually returned to riding, fulfilling his dream by purchasing a Harley Softail Custom, which he affectionally names ‘Quinn’.
After my accident, I see every day as a bonus,” says Jay. “When I first got back on a bike, I was terrified, but that fear turned into utter joy.”
His journey is made even more remarkable by the fact that his wife, who contracted polio as a child and uses a leg brace and walking sticks, rides alongside him.
Jay fitted quick-release clips to his Harley so she can strap her sticks to the bike. Together, they’ve ridden across the New Forest and Yorkshire, with dreams of exploring further afield to Kefalonia or Malta.
“Riding the bike blows the cobwebs away particularly if we've had a bad day at work,” Jay adds, highlighting just some of the mental health benefits of riding. This is echoed by 59% of motorcyclists citing mental health benefits as the most rewarding part of riding in a recent study.
“We are both determined that nothing will stop us,” Jay concludes. His advice to fellow riders, or those thinking of taking it up? “Ride safe and enjoy every second of biking, just as we do.”
Summarising, Daniel Nield at Carole Nashsays: “Every rider has a story, and as we mark our 40th year, we’re proud to shine a light on the incredible journeys of our customers. Jay’s story is one of strength and resilience and proved that determination and a love for riding can triumph over adversity. We wish him and his wife many happy years on the road.”