Early in 2016, an event happened that affected the life of somebody very close to both of us. Not only did this day cause lasting life changes for the person involved, but also for friends and family that surrounded him.

Danielle and a friend were at a party when he had a fall that caused a broken neck (level: C4-6), severing parts of the spinal cord and resulting in instant paralysis on impact. After the incident, Jade was one of the very first people Danielle reached out to for support; having been a close friend to the couple for a number of years. Jade was straight in the car and headed to the hospital not knowing what she would encounter when she arrived. At such a young age of 23, you would never imagine that something like this could happen to you or anybody around you.

From sitting by a bedside in an ICU and enduring sleepless nights and miles of driving, to making suitable living arrangements and reaching out to local care services, it's safe to say the last two years have been a unique and unpredictable experience. The journey has undoubtedly been hard-hitting and life-changing to all involved. James, along with his family and friends had to learn a lot about discovering, accepting and living with a new way of living entirely different to anything they had ever known before.  

Having gained this first-hand experience on the effects of SCI, we understand that everyone impacted by an event like this has to work through their individual challenges. The understanding and accepting new realms of physical abilities to the tests of mental and emotional strength. Ensuring accessibility in the home, as well as when planning days out. It was no longer a case of jump in our car, or on the train and off we go to wherever we feel like at the time.

SCI is life changing; and can take its toll on all involved. The support from friends, family and external services plays a crucial role in making sure that everyone can come to terms with what has happened. 

We're now raising money for SIA because they support people affected directly, and indirectly, by spinal injuries. The charity carry out some fantastic work through counselling services aiding those struggling to come to terms with their life changing accident to supporting with healthcare funding to enable those affected to live more independently. (More information about the support and services SIA provides can
be found on their website: www.spinal.co.uk) 

We've been so inspired by the courage it has taken to overcome such a
life-changing event, that we’re fundraising with the same determination. Neither of us would have thought we could run a mile, let alone over 13!

We are so grateful for you reading our story and we now just ask for one more favour… That you please donate to such a fantastic cause!

Please share with friends and family to not only help us fundraise, but to raise awareness of the impact of SCI.

We're also happy to talk with you if you'd like to know more about our experience, so please feel free to get in contact with us: danielle.louise9230@gmail.com / jade.rhoden@hotmail.com