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Unite For Access - Level Playing Field - Story Highlight - Steve

  • Mar 11
  • 3 min read
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Hi, my name is Steve Ashenden, I am a CADSA Committee member and would like to share my story with you as part of Unite for Access 2026.


Outside of CADSA

I have been married for 44 years and have 2 sons, a granddaughter and grandson; all of whom are CAFC fans too. This is my 53rd season of following CAFC, most of which has been as a season ticket holder (yes, your math was correct, I've been with Charlton longer than my wife), including at The Old Valley, Selhurst Park, West Ham, and The New Valley since our return.


In May 2021, I was diagnosed with a spinal abscess in the inner tube of my spinal column.

I had emergency surgery at Kings College where the abscess was removed and much of my spine was replaced with titanium structure. Consequently, I had significant nerve damage and was told I would never walk again and would be paralysed from T7 down.


As I had learnt from following CAFC for so long, you have to keep believing and never give up.

Four years later and with enormous support from my family, friends and private rehab; I am now able to control my bladder and bowels, to an extent, and I have regained some feeling and can, with the aid of quad sticks, walk short distances, although I am mainly a wheelchair user. This experience has truly made me realise, how precious life is. We never know whats around the corner. I now try to enjoy every second and be thankful for what I can do, and not moan or worry about what I am not able to do, which is why I am now a fully trained mentor for the Back Up charity. I love being able to share my experience, in order to help others on their journey so they too can recover as much as possible.


I only missed one season.

Following my operation, I missed the 2021/22 season due to being in hospital for 4 months and then recovering at home. I am now back at The Valley in the disabled area, with a great view and have made a lot of new friends. I applied for a disabled seat in the NE quadrant for the 22/23 season where my wife joined me as my plus one. The rest of my family sit with the drummer, in the covered end upper. I find the view great and other people with various disabilities have become great to chat to. The ability for us to get parking in a special area with easy access, is a real bonus.


I joined CADSA 2 seasons ago.

Joining CADSA as a committee member has been a great insight into the issues my peers have, both at home and away from The Valley, and as a committee I feel we are making a difference bit by bit to improve the Match Day experience for all CAFC fans.


Being a CAFC fan has taught me; NEVER STOP BELIEVING, anything is possible, if you put in the effort.


Unite For Access 2026

You can find out more about Unite for Access by checking out our previous blog post here or visiting:


At CADSA, we are working to make match days accessible and inclusive for all disabled fans. Don't forget to share and tag us (and CAFC) in your Disability Story! #UniteForAccess


If you have anything you wish to feedback for the Club please comment on our forum under accessibility issues > home.


To keep up to date with all CADSA's latest news:

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