In the Dec/Jan issue, we interviewed Saint-Gobain engineer and Rising Star winner Will Ruane, who returned to the glass industry after sustaining a life-changing injury.
Shortly after being named British Glass Rising Star of 2021, Will sustained a complete spinal cord injury while on holiday.
The accident fractured his spine, leading him to become paralysed from the waist down and a full-time wheelchair user.
In Glass International’s latest issue, he discusses how his return to work and passion for the glass industry helped him on his rehabilitation journey.
He said: “For me, a key part of rehabilitation was getting back to normality, which work was a massive part of. I find my job and what we do very rewarding.
“My role has had to evolve slightly, but thanks to the support of Saint-Gobain, I have been able to return to work full-time."
He continued: "I’m a big believer, and am really keen to show people, that working in the glass manufacturing industry with a disability is not only fantastic, but possible."
Will also talks about his role as a Reporter in Saint-Gobain’s furnace repair at its Eggborough facility in North Yorkshire, UK (see left).
The £30 million project was the largest industrial investment in the UK by Saint-Gobain since the Eggborough plant was built in 2000.
His contribution to the project, as well as his overall performance at Saint-Gobain, gained him British Glass’s Rising Star Award in November 2021, which he described as "a really proud moment".
To view the full article, please click here or see the full magazine via Issuu.com.
Will has also been documenting his rehabilitation journey on Instagram, which includes training for a half marathon this April to raise money for The Matt Hampson Foundation where he receives his physiotherapy.
To follow his journey on Instagram, please click here.
