A University of Bristol student graduates after having suffered a serious spinal injury.
22-year-old Archie Wills-Johnson received a MSci in biology on Thursday 10th July, two years after suffering a spinal injury in 2022, following an American football match.
via Nim Jethwa, University of Bristol
Originally from Gloucestershire, Archie was only a year into his Biology course when during a match he experienced a “big electric shock” through his right arm. This shock was later diagnosed as a result of a herniated disc, seriously damaging his spine.
Archie said: “The doctors told me that, without treatment, the excruciating electric shocks would continue and I could end up paralysed if I risked playing contact sport again.
It was hard to hear, but I had to face the reality of it.”
Although Archie was able to receive an emergency surgery in order to prevent the injury from worsening, he continues to be affected by chronic pain.
His story has been an inspiration to many, and Archie was the first in his family to go to university. Archie excelled academically whilst at Bristol, his third-year project on mammals in Zanzibar was impressively published as a research paper, which is currently undergoing a second stage of peer review.
via Nim Jethwa, University of Bristol
On reflecting on his studies, Archie shared: “Life will always give you setbacks, but, by showing resilience, you can bounce back from the challenges and make the most of your situation.”
The head of Biological Sciences at the University of Bristol, Professor Nick Roberts, commented on Archie’s journey, saying: “He has demonstrated incredible resilience through his degree and has helped create such a positive environment in his year group.
He is an inspiration to others, and we wish him all the best for the future.”
Last year, Archie received an Outstanding PLUS Award from the university for demonstrating perseverance and resilience despite facing such adversity.
Featured image via Nim Jethwa, University of Bristol
