Paul Belk

Location: South Sheilds

Challenge: Acquired Brain Injury

Website: facebook.com/whitedove.band

His story of triumph over adversity has already been described as 'remarkable' by those closest to him.

Paul Belk from South Shields in South Tyneside was studying for a BA in Music at Newcastle University when he took his gap year. He was an active sportsman and keen drummer who hoped to one day make a career out of his love of music.

Paul began learning drums when he was 14 years old, and had previously learned to play piano at grade 2 level, with Tony McNally who plays and teaches a variety of instruments. Paul says "Tony McNally was both my music teacher and my inspiration. He inspired me to take up drumming and I went on to play in a band with Tony when I was 19years old".

Paul has played in a few high profile bands, playing many gigs including local music festival, toured Germany with a band called The Rye.

Over the years, Paul also supported some high profile artists (such as Glen Tilbrooke from Squeeze, Shed Seven & The Blue Tones). Paul says "Pincer (later known as The Pincer Movement), his first band which he was a member from 14years to 20years old recorded 2 CDs including the 2002 release, 'Let's Have It'".

Paul adds "A few other bands I played in also recorded CDs".

When Paul was 20 years old, he took a gap year from his studies, and set off with friends to travel around Thailand and South East Asia.

Sadly, this dream trip ended in tragedy when it is thought that Paul's drink was spiked during a visit to a bar on the Thai island of Koh Tao.

Paul fell into a coma as his brain was starved of oxygen. After a brief spell of treatment in a Thai hospital he was flown back to Newcastle. He remained in a coma for three long months and his family were told he had just a 2% chance of making a recovery.

Paul was to spend several years in a residential rehabilitation unit where he gradually began to relearn basic life skills that most of us take for granted. His determination was evident from the start and he soon began to make good progress.

"I've always been passionate about music," said Paul. "As soon as I came out of my coma I was worried about whether or not I'd be able to play the drums again as I didn't have use of my legs, which I need to operate the drum pedals. But it's not in my nature to give up and eight years on, I'm just beginning to get enough feeling in my legs to begin playing again".

Paul says "I love listening to music and going to gigs, but doing so when you're in a wheelchair is really difficult. So, I came up with the idea of creating a completely accessible festival. It's only right that people in wheelchairs can have equal access to these events and the Chase Park Festival shows not only what can be done, but also what all festivals should be doing".

By tapping into contacts he had in the music scene across the north-east of England, developing relationships with local charities, and forging links with groups campaigning for greater access to mainstream festivals, Paul found a vocation he could channel his energies into.

Problems at most music festivals include accessibility to stage areas when, for example, poor weather creates muddy conditions that make it difficult to use a wheelchair.

At Chase Park, Whickham, special raised trackways are used. This allows people to get to the stage area whatever the weather. In addition, there is a drop-off point that aids access to the stage and to specialised mobility equipment should it be needed.

In 2013, Paul was awarded the Headway Campaigner of the Year award.

Paul Belk with White Dove