Life doesn’t end when something is taken away

Wigan-based Toby Burton-Carter from the Counter Fraud Compliance and Debt (CFCD) Enhanced Review team, talks about facing a life with disability and his journey to finding a job he loves alongside playing wheelchair rugby league for Ireland.

 

Changes to working life 

Before DWP, Toby served over 12 years and travelled the world with the British Army in the Grenadier Guards. After the army, he went on to become a general manager for a parcel delivery company, but changes to his physical health meant he had to re-train and move away from more physically demanding jobs. 

Toby explained the background to his disability: “I’ve a condition called degenerative disc disease which means my spine is wearing out quicker than it would usually do. It causes issues with standing, sitting and lying down and I’ve chronic sciatica as a result. 

“I’ve osteoarthritis in both my ankles, knees, thumbs, wrists and my left shoulder, and a condition in my right leg called tactile allodynia (sensitivity to touch). Sometimes even the wind blowing on my leg is painful. I’ve gradually had to become more accustomed to it and have modified my lifestyle to suit it. 

“I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia around the same time too, which is like turning up the pain on everything that you've got.”

Adapting to a wheelchair 

Toby went from one walking stick to two sticks, to crutches and to a wheelchair in the space of about a year. 

“It was really hard to adjust to not being able to do simple things like showering, washing and holding a cup of coffee and plate of biscuits at the same time so I had to make two or three trips. 

“My mental health was badly affected. I mourned for the things I felt had been taken away from me and went through a grieving process. I became reclusive for a couple of months, but one morning I thought ‘I have to do something!’ I contacted a friend who is also in a wheelchair, had a good chat and decided to make the most of the situation. Life doesn't end when something is taken away, it just needs to adapt and move forward.”

Adjustments that work for me 

My current job has provided me with all the workplace adjustment support I need. 

“Careful planning has gone into where I sit to make sure I have close access to the toilet and am in direct line to the fire exit. I also sit next to a ‘buddy’ who can help me if there’s a fire alarm. 

“I’ve got a raised desk that helps me not to bend forward as much, as that puts more pressure on my spine. I also have adjustable monitors and a rollable mouse.”

The impact of sport 

Toby played football and rugby at school and found sport had a hugely positive impact on his mental health, so he looked to sport to help him move forward. 

“I started playing wheelchair basketball for Manchester Giants and haven’t looked back. A good friend of mine, who was a captain of Warrington Wolves and a wheelchair rugby league team, reached out and asked me to give it a try.

“I was terrible to start with while I got used to how to bounce a ball, push my chair, move around, and score all at the same time, but I picked it up quickly and was doing really well until lockdown hit and everything got cancelled. 

“I’m back playing again now and am the Vice-Captain of Ireland – to be selected was just absolutely amazing! To go to the World Cup in 2022 was a dream come true, especially at my age, it was insane. 

“When we played England, we broke the world record TV audience for this sport and then again when England played France. 3,000 people in a small venue screaming and shouting is a very special feeling. I hope the impact of the TV coverage will highlight and showcase our sport to as many people as possible. 

“Wheelchair rugby really is the most inclusive sport around as you can have two able bodied people in the team at the same time, so family members can get involved in the same squads as each other.”

No intentions of stopping 

Toby continued: “If you’re disabled and struggling to get out, sports clubs like mine may really help your mental health. The Civil Service Sports Council (CSSC) has been fantastic too and I’ve been lucky to receive support and funding through it.” 

In 2023 Toby is looking forward to the European Championships and Ireland hosting the Celtic Cup as well the next World Cup in 2025.