Derek Campbell

Who am I...

Septicemia Warrior

Limb Power's Physical Activity Advisor
(Amputee rehabilitation therapy clinic, Queen Mary's Hospital, Roehampton)

Disability Exercise Coach

Actor, Model, Creature performer

Saying that, I will always have a passion for arboriculture, as I qualified as a tree surgeon in 1994. Up until 2013 that's all I knew, and I loved my job, but in March 2013 that was to change. I was thrown a curve ball, my life would never be the same again.

I was taken to A&E with what I thought was bad flu, thinking it was going to be a routine check up and I would go straight home. But it was nearly a month later that I woke up from a coma to be told, "It's your legs or your life..."

Did I really have a choice?

I chose LIFE. I put everything I had and more into my rehabilitation. But i certainly knew I was now going to have to focus and work very hard.

It was during my rehabilitation that I decided I was going to help other people.

Participating at the Limb Power Games was an significant part of me regaining my love of life and helped my confidence. I was pleasantly surprised how well I was performing in the competitions by winning a silver medal in Archery and two gold medals in Badminton. It was the joy of playing badminton again, being introduced to a range of new para-sports, being encouraged by the mentors and coaches and the social interaction at these events, that was integral to my own rehabilitation. It was then I recognised how important physical activity can be to a person's health, wellbeing and their ability to overcome adversity. It was recognising this in myself that lead me to want to help others.

I decided to train as a fitness coach but the twist was I wanted to specialise in disability exercise, so I embarked on a career change and in the Spring of 2013 I qualified as a Level 2 Gym Instructor & Level 3 Disability Personal Trainer.

I have since gone on to train, motivate and inspire children and adults who want to overcome their disabilities, whilst mentoring for Limb Power

I have modelled for Models of Diversity whose mission statement is "for the inclusion of models with disabilities to be represented in the fashion industry".

I have since gone on to be a droid and creature performer appearing in Star Wars and I have appeared on stage and done a variety of adverts.

My hobbies include mentoring, coaching, research and advisory services, fitness, climbing and watching movies.