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Paralympic Champion David Smith Enters Palliative Care After Sudden Paralysis, Given Four-Month Prognosis

He disclosed the prognosis using assistive technology from his hospital bed.

Overview

  • Smith, 47, said he became paralysed from the neck down within hours after feeling unwell last Wednesday.
  • Doctors moved him to palliative care on Thursday and told him he has about four months to live.
  • He previously underwent emergency brain surgery in October 2025 to remove a large tumour and later received radiotherapy for remaining benign growths.
  • He is communicating through an electronic decoder and told local media he fears he may not return home again except for his funeral.
  • The London 2012 rowing gold medallist and 2013 OBE recipient plans to frame his medal for Newtonmore Primary School after recently attending the Team Scotland awards.