Guillermo Ucelay · Zaragoza, 1995
On April 25, 2025, an accident in Miami changed my life in a second. A year later, I’m still here. And I’m still moving forward.
Discover my story
My story
I’m Guillermo Ucelay. I was born in Zaragoza and spent twelve years building my life in the United States. Then one sunny Friday in Miami, everything changed.
This is that story, scene by scene: what I had, what I lost, and everything I’m winning back.
Quotes are Guillermo’s own words, translated from his interviews in Spanish.
I grew up in Zaragoza and studied at Colegio Jesuitas. At 18 I left for California to learn English, and a university scholarship took me on to Hawaii.
Looking back, I realize it was a huge step, but I was so naive I treated it like going out for a coffee.
Twelve years in the United States. Settled in Miami, with a solid career at a British company in marketing and tech events, good friends, sport and a healthy life.
I had a very good life. Honestly, I was enjoying it and I couldn’t complain.
A company day outdoors under the Florida sun. A water accident caused a cervical spinal cord injury. When I woke up, I could barely move anything.
It’s a sunny day, you think everything’s going to be fine, and you wake up in hospital with a tube in your mouth.
Back in Spain, at the National Hospital for Paraplegics in Toledo, I worked relentlessly on my rehabilitation. My parents and my brother have been by my side through every step.
My family saved my life.
More than a year in specialized centers, now at Institut Guttmann, a leading neurorehabilitation hospital in Spain and abroad. I’ve regained movement in my arms and trunk.
Nobody knows where the limit is with a spinal cord injury. I don’t believe in barriers, and I’ll work as long as it takes to keep improving.
I share my story on social media, and people facing very different battles, from illness to depression, write to me. In August 2026 I spoke about it on Spanish national radio.
I’d like to help other people. If someone can take something positive from what I share, then I feel I have a purpose.
What a year teaches you
There’s no formula for everyone. Just what I’ve learned, in my own words. Start with whatever helps today.
The next chapter
Guillermo is working on a manuscript about his life and what followed the accident. Space to share, in his own time, what a few lines can’t hold.
Follow the process (Opens in a new tab)A publication date has yet to be confirmed.
In the media
All coverage is in Spanish.
Let’s talk
If you’re going through a lot of pain, facing something similar or struggling with anything, I’m here to talk. For projects and everything else, too.