Paralysed after accident, woman finds purpose in advocacy

The tears still flow for Ms Jean Ling at the memory of the accident that left her paralysed from the waist down 11 years ago.

- Chin Soo Fang

While she was on holiday in New Zealand in March 2014, her car skidded off a road and slammed into a tree just before a planned horse-riding trip.

She had broken ribs, punctured lungs and severe spinal cord injuries. For four months, she stayed at a rehabilitation facility in Christchurch learning to navigate life with her disability.

During that time, Ms Ling, 42, said she "cried every night at the thought that I could never walk again".

"And I wondered if I could still have a happy life, get married or take care of myself."

The answers to those questions have been yes, yes and yes.

Despite a permanent disability, Ms Ling, a procurement executive, is living life to the fullest now and is determined to be an advocate for disability inclusion.

She will share her story of resilience and rebirth with visitors to local charity SPD at the upcoming My Community Festival, which will take place from Aug 1 to 17.

The sixth edition of the annual event, organised by non-profit group My Community, invites participants to explore how communities across Singapore experience and celebrate life's beginnings.

There will be over 70 guided tours, experiences and discussions curated around the theme My First Journey. Topics range from postpartum rituals and confinement meals to spiritual renewal and emotional recovery.