“I had a one-in-a-hundred chance of survival"

Mohamad was returning home after work down a crowded street when an explosion suddenly ripped through the air.

"I woke up four or five hours later in a field hospital. The first words I heard from the doctors were: ‘He has a one-in-a-hundred chance of survival’.

I had surgery, thank God. I lay on my back for six months before I came to Jordan for essential medical care.

My hip broke as I was being treated and I developed pelvic calcification. My health was very bad at the time. I was very depressed as well.

I’ve had rehabilitation care and I was given a medical device, a bed, a wheelchair, a walking frame, casts, and a special chair for the bathroom. They’re a big help. But it’s hard to find yourself in a wheelchair overnight. I had problems accepting my new condition. But I've come to terms with it now.

Life was different before my injury. It was great. I worked in the stone-dressing business. I used to go out with my friends. I enjoyed swimming. I also liked riding my motorbike.

I felt I had to work hard to overcome my handicap. I followed a training course in crafts - assembling accessories, creating perfumes, and making candles - and then became a trainer myself. We recently organised an exhibition at the Arabela shopping centre in Irbid. We also visited several bazaars. It was a great experience."