As the Unisys UK network grows with the creation of groups like UISL (Unisys Insurance Services Ltd) and iPSL (Intelligent Processing Systems Ltd), Unisys News continues to focus on the people that make it unique. One such person’s story transcends everyday business to reveal a determination that speaks volumes to his colleagues and readers alike.

UISL data telecommunications support engineer, Steve Tarrant has recently marked his 23rd year with the company, and counts himself extremely lucky to be able to do so after the events of 24 June 2000. In a tragic accident, where Steve was the only one of three people to survive, his inspirational battle to recover after severe injuries and his eventual return to work remind us of the winning spirit in all of us.

‘I’ve been a keen follower of motor-sport since the age of six,’ says Steve. He has been a devoted petrol-head ever since, adding: ‘It wasn’t until I turned 19 that I got to see my first circuit race – the British Grand Prix at Brands Hatch. To show how old I am, the cost of the three-day ticket was £30.’

He continues: ‘Come 1991, I finally found an avenue to actually get myself involved with motorsport, through marshalling for karting.’ As Steve’s involvement in marshalling and officiating grew, his passion took him to circuits all over the south of England, and as far away as Kyalami in South Africa. In June 2000, Steve and Jackie attended the annual Goodwood Festival of Speed, a new event to them, but one that is renowned as the premier retro-car race meeting. Its legendary hill climb course, where Steve was posted, sees drivers reach speeds in excess of 140mph.

Steve relates: ‘On the Saturday, Jackie came to spectate whilst I resumed my posting at Flying Finish 1. But my world was turned upside down when the 1968 Lotus of John Dawson-Damer left the track and careered through the finish gantry on the grass, scything down fellow marshal, Andy Carpenter and myself before hitting the trees behind us, killing the driver instantly. Andy didn’t survive the operation to save him, and I was in a bad state.

‘Fortunately, my own recollection of the accident has been erased from my mind, but unfortunately, the majority of the 36 hours before it as well. From what I have learnt, my right leg was severed at the shin, probably by the front wing of the car. Both bones in my lower left leg were shattered, the blood supply to my stomach had been ruptured and there was a large gash on the back of my head where I had fallen. Things were complicated by my contracting gangrene and septicemia in the legs, which then meant I lost my right knee as well. I had to endure nine operations and countless procedures to clean the wounds so a tracheotomy was fitted, meaning I couldn’t talk or communicate either.’

Steve’s injuries were to see him spend some six weeks in intensive care, a year of reconstructive surgery, physiotherapy and aftercare, which eventually put him on the road to recovery. Since then, and due to the help of the carers at St. Richards Hospital in Chichester, Charing Cross Hospital in London, Poole Hospital and the Dorset Prosthetics Unit, Steve has made a remarkable recovery that now affords him limited mobility in a wheelchair or by using a prosthetic leg. He comments: ‘When I was able to stand for two minutes the first time after the accident, the smile on my face was testament to the joy I felt. I would try to stand for longer, and any pain I had was erased by that joy.’

Little did Steve know, but news of his accident had reverberated around the motorsports world and beyond. Racing legend, Sir Stirling Moss and his wife, Susie visited him twice in hospital and ex-Formula 1 commentator, Murray Walker wrote to him, and were amongst the many who paid tribute to Steve’s bravery. In turn, Steve is full of praise for those who have helped him through his recovery.

He comments: ‘I am also lucky my job is in technical support, and the company has been very good all through this time, keeping my job open for when I eventually got back.’ However, he does admit that, ‘adjusting to a loss of liberty that we all take for granted with our mobility has been the hardest thing.’ Steve is now back at work on a part-time basis, but is finding that there are still battles to be fought before returning to as near normality as possible.

Having already sold his beloved 4x4 car, and then moved house because of the extra care he now needs, Steve is fighting to have his disability status confirmed so that he can apply for charitable help with specialist vehicles and equipment. However, with Steve’s champion spirit and the help of his ever-growing network of family, friends and colleagues, he is confident he will overcome whatever challenges life throws at him.

On a happy note, the highlights of the past year for Steve has brought him full circle, as he revisited Goodwood for the September 2000 Revival meeting where, on that occasion, he was the VIP guest of Lord March of Goodwood, and rubbed shoulders with some of his childhood heroes. This year, he has done some flag marshalling in South Africa, for the World Superbikes at Kyalami and the MotoGP at Phakisa (although his injuries still prevent him from doing so in the UK). He also officiated at the Festival of Speed in July 2001 where, in a show of friendship from his fellow marshals, had a fast ride up the course in a Renault Clio V6 driven by Formula 1 driver, Jenson Button.