Peter Hofstetter in seinem Stall
Peter Hofstetter in seinem Stall

Day by day – Peter

In the new “Day by day” film, Peter Hofstetter from Entlebuch (Canton of Lucerne) tells his moving story. In January 2018, the 64-year-old had a severe accident while doing some forestry work. He has had incomplete paraplegia ever since.

“I thought I was going to suffocate.”

What you don’t know about me yet…

In the short interview, you will find out what Peter’s biggest limitation was after the accident and hear his hopes for the future, among other things.

  • Paralysis level: T 2
  • Wheelchair user since: 2018
  • Occupation: farmer
  • What was the biggest limitation or challenge shortly after the accident?
    Artificial respiration. I couldn’t communicate with my family. When I came round right after the accident, I could barely breathe and thought I was going to suffocate.
  • What is the biggest limitation or challenge today? 
    Fortunately, the limitations are not that significant for me now. I have had to accept that I can no longer go skiing with my family.
  • What advice would you give to your younger self?
    Always be grateful to the Creator.
  • What has the wheelchair given you?
    It has resulted in new opportunities. I have also been able to get to know a new field of work.
  • What are your hopes for the future?
    To stay healthy into old age.
  • What do able-bodied people completely underestimate about your everyday life?
    How many obstacles there are still.
  • What assumption about wheelchair users is completely wrong?
    People always think we’re in a “hole” and they have to feel sorry for us. But we are doing well.
  • What is the funniest situation you’ve experienced since being in a wheelchair?
    We were practising using escalators in Lucerne. Then someone came over to us and said, “you know there’s a lift over there.”
  • Have there been any situations in which you have shamelessly taken advantage of your wheelchair?
    The wheelchair parking space when my wife is with me and I don’t necessarily need it.
  • If your wheelchair could talk, what would it say about you?
    That I’m a weirdo.
  • When do you feel most free?
    Somewhere on a mountain with a great view.
  • What three things would you take to a desert island (except for your wheelchair)?
    A lighter, a penknife and some string.

“Day by day” film

The “Day by day” film gives the audience an insight into three moving life stories from wheelchair users. The film impressively shows the comprehensive and unique network of services of the Swiss Paraplegic Group.

In addition to Peter Hofstetter, Chiara Schlatter and Dominique Hirschi talk about their daily routines and provide personal insights into their lives.

Thanks to its modular structure, the film can be used in a variety of ways: in addition to a long version with all the protagonists, three short films are also available, each focusing on one person.

Click here for the long film

Look behind the scenes

  • Auf dem Hof von Peter Hofstetter
  • Peter Hofstetter im Exsoskelett
  • Filmaufnahmen mit Peter Hofstetter
  • Filmaufnahmen mit Heidi Hofstetter
  • Gemeinsame Velotouren

Filming on Peter Hofstetter’s farm in Entlebuch

Mitglied werden

Als Mitglied erhalten Sie 250 000 Franken bei unfallbedingter Querschnittlähmung.

Choose membership

  • Einzelmitglied

    pro Jahr

    CHF45

  • Paare und Familien

    pro Jahr

    CHF90

  • Dauermitglied

    einmalig

    CHF1000

250 000 Swiss francs in case of emergency

Your 6 advantages

  • You receive 250 000 Swiss francs if you sustain a spinal cord injury in an accident and end up in a wheelchair permanently.
  • The payment process is quick and without red tape.
  • The payment is granted independently of insurance benefits and the place of the accident or treatment.
  • Benefactors' Association membership is possible both for people who reside in Switzerland and those who live abroad.
  • 2 million members have already put their trust in the Swiss Paraplegic Foundation.
  • You show your solidarity towards people with a spinal cord injury – given that it can happen to anybody.

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