A FORMER York student who was paralysed in an accident 12 years ago will get married today – and says he never imagined his life would be this good.

Gavin Wilson was left quadraplegic in 2001, at the age of 14, after he fell from his mountain bike while riding over a jump at the St Nicholas Fields park, in Tang Hall.

Gavin, who now lives in Leeds, met his bride-to-be, Siobhan, at university in Leeds where he was studying sports journalism and she was studying theology.

He said: “She’s absolutely lovely and I love my life at the moment. I’ve got my dream job, working in my favourite sport, and for the club I’ve supported since I was a kid.

“When the accident first happened in 2001, it was such brilliant friends and family around me at school and home who helped me stay really positive. I think that’s one of the main things that got me through.”

Gavin, who works as a sports journalist and media manager with York City Knights, said since meeting Siobhan at university and moving in with her at Headingley, he felt the wedding was another positive step in his life.

He said: “It’s almost like a full circle thing. I’ve gone through a lot in the last 12 years, but I would say the positives outweigh the negatives. I’m sure mum will agree, it was a struggle at the beginning, but the last three or four years have just been an absolute dream. Twelve years ago, I don’t think I could ever have imagined my life being this good, but I’m so thankful it is.”

Annette Marwood, Gavin’s mother, said she was delighted to see her son’s big day, which will involve rugby ball centrepieces at the reception, and an order of service printed up to look like a programme from a rugby game.

She said:”I’m really looking forward to it, I can’t wait.

“I just can’t believe it. I’m really proud of what he’s done and achieved since the accident. He’s gone on, fought on, gone to university, got his degree, and got work and is living independently with his fiancée, and it’s brilliant really.

“And she’s lovely, absolutely lovely. I’m chuffed to bits for both of them, I’m so pleased.”