Tariq (right) was left with life-changing injuries following the train accident (Picture: Tariq Hussain)
A man who had his leg and fingers cut off by a freight train has lost his mobility car he relied on to live independently.
Tariq Hussain, from Slough, miraculously survived a catastrophic train accident in his early 20s that cost him limbs and put him in a coma for almost a month.
He was crushed under a heavy train carrying bricks after he fell off the platform at Reading station at 3am, dragging the young man for a third of a mile before it was able to stop.
Tariq, now 44, has been able to focus on his job as a customer service adviser, take his teenage son to practice, and coach kids’ football thanks to his adjusted car making it possible for him to drive with one leg
Tariq (first left) says he feels for the first time his independent life is threatened after losing his car (Picture: Tariq Hussain)
With his body breaking down, Tariq decided to apply for extra care allowance to pay his mum for cleaning help as he can’t reach certain places and has to top around to hoover.
And basic tasks such as cooking, cleaning and even buttoning up a shirt are difficult and take a toll on his body as he uses crutches most of the time.
But now the dad-of-one has lost the car after a change to his benefits.
Walking on crutches and being on the move as a ‘one legged football coach’ for a years means Tariq’s wrist and knee are ‘shot through’ with terrible pain, he explained.
What is left of his other hand (Picture: Tariq Hussain)
However, his bid for enhanced mobility rate was refused by an independent tribunal when he appealed a decision by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
While he now receives more money directly after the benefits change, he no longer qualifies for the car provided by Motability, an independent charity.
Previously, money for the car was paid directly to the charity from his previous benefit, meaning for years Tariq didn’t see a penny on his account but he got a suitable car.
Despite having more cash now, the standard amount is not enough to pay for an adjusted car on his own, meaning he is facing an uncertain future relying on others.
He told Metro.co.uk: ‘It’s barbaric. I’ve made that point at the tribunal. It’s also for those who can’t fight like I can.’
Tariq’s life evolves around his job, family, and coaching kids’ football (Picture: Tariq Hussain)
He praised Motability for being ‘bloody amazing.’
Since they were stopped being paid last August, the charity still kept providing him with an almost brand-new car.
‘They said a couple of weeks ago they need it back, and I said I can’t argue with that. Nine months, not having been paid. I gave it back, but it makes you feel really disabled,’ he said.
‘I’ve always had very independent way of living.
‘I’ve been really good for the town. I …read more
Source:: Metro
