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Car Crash Survivor Turns Fish Therapy into Award-Winning Business
21 Dec
Summary
- A severe car crash in 2016 left Stephen Halsey wheelchair-bound for six years.
- Tropical fish provided mental health support during his recovery and pandemic.
- His shop, Wirral Aquatics, opened in September 2024 and has won multiple awards.
Stephen Halsey, severely injured in a 2016 car crash that necessitated six years in a wheelchair, discovered a profound source of healing in tropical fish. His father's past interest in fish breeding inspired Halsey to create an extensive "fish room" at home.
This therapeutic passion blossomed into Wirral Aquatics, a family-friendly store opened in September 2024. The shop offers a children's play area and a weekly fish club, fostering a community for aquatics enthusiasts. Halsey emphasizes the role fish played in supporting his mental health, especially during challenging times.
Wirral Aquatics has quickly achieved recognition, earning multiple awards including "Retailer of the Year" in 2025. Despite its recent establishment, the shop has been listed among the UK's top 40 stores, a testament to Halsey's dedication and the unique, supportive environment he has cultivated.
