Mark shares story of his traumatic accident in hope it will help others

A MID Devon HGV driver has shared the harrowing account of a devastating workplace accident to help others.

- by GAZETTE REPORTER

Mark Sowden, a 56-year-old from Willand, was hit by a forklift truck in December 2022 while navigating his workplace’s storeroom.

The serious incident resulted in the loss of his left leg below the knee.

Now Mark is recounting his ordeal to assist his workmates and to campaign for reinforced worker protection measures, as part of his role as an active shop steward for the Unite trade union and a member of the South West TUC disabled members’ committee.

Mark said: "No one ever expects to go to work and leave with life-changing injuries. Losing the lower part of my leg was a traumatic and life-altering experience, but I was never alone in this journey.

"The unwavering support of my family through every stage of this ordeal gave me the strength to keep going. They were by my side during the darkest days-encouraging me, helping with everyday tasks, and lifting me emotionally when things felt impossible.

"The wider network around me - my union, my colleagues, my medical and rehabilitation teams, and my legal team - have also helped to give me the tools I needed to rebuild my life.