Paul Glanville's Story...
On November 26th 2016, RCMP corporal Paul Glanville was outside of his vehicle at a road enclosure when he was suddenly struck by a semi-truck who failed to stop on time. After the accident, he was promptly flown from Northern Alberta to Edmonton, where he was to be treated at the Royal Alexandra Hospital. RCMP officers oftentimes find themselves in situations where they have limited access to support (whether that’s support from family or from available services) because of their tendency to be situated in remote locations. Luckily through Valour Place, Paul’s family could be with him in Edmonton during the entirety of the time he was hospitalized. His wife and children spent their entire Christmas at Valour Place, where staff, volunteers, and other guests could continue to lend them strength.
After being in the hospital for four months, the rehabilitation process began and Paul was able to experience Valour Place for himself. He was transferred to the Glenrose and was encouraged to leave on the weekends to regain some self-agency. Valour Place would personally pick him up from the hospital in their previously-donated Valour Place van, and bring him to Valour Place. Due to the design choices within Valour Place’s framework, he had everything he needed to get around. With accessibility closely in mind, Valour Place allows guests similar to Paul to be able to do whatever they need to do with relative ease. The van would then drive Paul back to the hospital at the end of the two nights.
Since the wake of his accident, Paul has undergone several surgical procedures and has occasionally returned to Valour Place for follow-up appointments with his surgeons. Valour Place has continued to support him by providing cost-free accommodations during his visits, and continues to assist him in commuting back and forth from the Hospital. By far the biggest help to all guests, however, has been alleviating their emotional burden.
“It is so imperative for people to understand that we’re put into these isolated northern communities and don’t have access to amenities. If it wasn’t for Valour place, just think of what my family would have had to go through for four months. Families would be separated, and people would be trying to deal with significant injuries on their own. Valour Place provides that support, so families can come together. It takes away the financial burden, and takes away the emotional burden when loved ones are nearby. It’s so significant.”
–Paul Glanville
While his family was being looked after at Valour Place, they got to know other guests at the house who understandably, were going through taxing times of their own. Close bonds were formed through mutual understanding and encouragement. Paul says that his family still talks about how sympathetic Martin and staff were to them and to everyone else, stating that that Valour Place is his first choice when it comes to the “best treatment.” To all those going through adverse circumstances, some of whom may be future guests at Valour Place, Paul had to say:
“Have faith that things will work out regardless of the outcome, and lean on the support of family and friends or Martin and the others. Some of us are hesitant to take help from others because that’s ‘our job’ as RCMP or military. Trust in these people and take that help."
- Paul Glanville