Paralympic gold medallist Dave Smith has revealed he is now paralysed from the neck down and does not expect to return home again except for his funeral, after receiving a devastating prognosis of just four months to live. The 47-year-old rower, who won gold for Great Britain at the 2012 Paralympics, is communicating solely through a messaging system as a spinal tumour has spread aggressively to his brain.
A Heartbreaking Prognosis
"On Thursday I was moved to palliative care," Dave Smith stated, "and told that I have four months to live. I'm going to fight with every will in my body, but I'm also aware my time on this planet is coming to an end." The OBE-winning athlete, who grew up in the Scottish Highlands, expressed that this reality is perhaps harder for his family and friends than for himself, as he feels he has had time to mentally prepare.
A Long Battle with Health Issues
Dave Smith's health struggles began in 2010 when he first underwent surgery for a tumour inside his spinal cord, which left him temporarily paralysed due to a subsequent blood clot. In August last year, he experienced blurred vision, fatigue, and severe headaches, initially attributing these symptoms to excessive television watching during recovery from an injury.
His family grew increasingly concerned as he became withdrawn and short-tempered, leading to surgery in October where doctors confirmed the presence of tumours in his brain. Speaking this weekend, Dave recalled how he began feeling "a little bit sick" last Wednesday afternoon, and by 3pm was completely paralysed from the neck down.
From Global Travel to Hospital Bed
"It's kind of crazy to have started the week going down to the gym, travelling to Holland to speak to Nike and then end the week lying in a hospital bed unable to move," he reflected. The Paralympian emphasised his desire to return home, acknowledging with sadness that the next time he might do so could be for his funeral arrangements.
Inspiring Future Generations
Dave Smith spoke movingly about his pride in seeing his image displayed on the wall of Kingussie High School, expressing regret that he cannot visit in person to inspire students about pursuing their dreams. In a poignant gesture, he plans to have his Paralympic gold medal framed and donated to Newtonmore Primary School, demonstrating that even those from small Highland villages can achieve global recognition.
"All I want to do is get back home," he said. "I didn't realise the next time I will be returning home might possibly be for my funeral. I feel this is harder for my family and friends than it is for me since I feel like I've had so much time to prepare for this."
A Remarkable Sporting Journey
Born with a club foot that required repeated bone breaking and resetting during his first three years, Dave Smith overcame significant physical challenges to represent Great Britain at the 2012 Summer Paralympics. Competing in the mixed coxed four event at Eton Dorney, his crew secured a memorable gold medal victory.
His achievements were formally recognised in 2013 when he was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire in the New Year Honours for services to rowing. Despite his current circumstances, Dave Smith remains determined to "push as long as I can," showcasing the same resilience that defined his Paralympic career.
