In this episode, Vicki McLeod sits down with long-time Mallorca resident Justin Jones for a moving and deeply human conversation about life before and after the accident that changed everything.

Justin originally came from George, South Africa, before moving to the UK and later to Mallorca after visiting his brother on the island. What began as a weekend visit soon turned into a new life, first through Balearic Adventures, then through metalwork and Balearic Coating Solutions.

The conversation covers the reality of building a business in Mallorca, the importance of reputation, word of mouth and community, and why the island can be such a rewarding place for people willing to work hard and show up properly.

Justin then speaks openly about the catastrophic car accident that left him with life-changing injuries. He remembers the crash, the rescue, the weeks in a coma, the operations, the hallucinations, the medical decisions, and the people who fought to save his limbs and his future.

He also talks about the emotional aftermath: depression, isolation, dependency, pain, family changes, and the people who kept turning up when he needed them most.

The episode also looks forward. Through a specialist hand trike, Justin has found a new way to move, train and experience Mallorca again. With the support of friends, physiotherapist Tracy Evans, Oliver Neilson and the Six Points community, he is now preparing to take on the Six Points Challenge, raising money for local charities and proving, in his own way, that life can still open new doors.

This is a story about survival, friendship, Mallorca, sport, mental health and the stubborn decision to keep going.

Suggested chapters

00:00 Introduction

00:20 Welcome to Justin Jones

00:45 Growing up in South Africa

01:40 Moving to the UK

03:20 First visit to Mallorca

04:30 Moving to Mallorca with Marie

05:00 Balearic Adventures and the Zorb years

06:00 Why Mallorca felt familiar after South Africa

07:40 Raising children in Mallorca

10:50 Life and business on the island

12:20 Balearic Metal Projects and Balearic Coating Solutions

14:00 Starting small and building a business

15:15 Reputation, marketing and word of mouth in Mallorca

16:40 The car accident

18:10 Son Espases, coma and life support

19:15 Remembering the impact

22:30 The alternate reality during the coma

25:20 Operations and medical miracles

28:40 What Justin has lost and what may still be possible

31:00 Fighting to keep his limbs

33:30 Tracy Evans and the physiotherapy journey

35:30 Coming home during Covid

36:10 Gratitude, positivity and perspective

37:30 Life after the accident

39:40 Insurance, court and the Spanish system

42:50 Depression and isolation

44:00 Getting out again

45:45 Discovering the hand trike

47:00 Cycling again for the first time

49:00 Meeting Oliver on the road

50:30 Six Points and charity cycling

52:50 Sport, fitness and mental health

55:30 Raising money for local charities

59:30 Advice for anyone struggling

01:00:45 Closing thoughts

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