In May 2013, age 35, Swen was riding his motorbike when he was involved in a collision with a car. The impact sent him flying into a concrete post on the other side of the road. Swen’s spine was severely damaged at T2-T8 and C4-C6, his spinal cord was damaged at C4/5 (incomplete). He also pulverized his left hip socket, twisting and rotating his pelvis at the same time. He broke five ribs, nine vertebrae and his right collar bone.

At the time Swen worked for a large company, managing several international finance accounts. He travelled regularly to places such as Nepal, Japan and Chile. Swen was, and still is, passionate about motorbikes. He was aware there were risks and had invested in highly protective gear including a spine protector, an armadillo shield, race gloves and an expensive helmet.

Because his spinal cord injury is incomplete, Swen has sensation in most areas of his body, but only feeling in his mid to lower torso. This means he can feel pain, most severely in his lower back/pelvis and his left knee, which has been constant since the accident and needs very strong pain relief every day. Additionally, his left hamstring is in a near permanent state of flex because of nerve damage. This causes knee pain and joint wear, and extreme, ongoing discomfort.