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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