The simple fact that I can walk today let alone run is thanks to the  most amazing team at The Royal Liverpool Hospital.... my story starts back on the 14th March 2014 where I received life changing surgery by Marcus De Matas and his team after an accident which resulted in a burst and unstable L3 spinal fracture. 

In order for me to have a positive prognosis and return to a very active lifestyle, the procedure involved my spine having to be fused and fixed from T12 to L5..... in other words, a lot of metal and screws!! After a week spent in hospital receiving superb physiotherapy and aftercare from the team in the Orthopaedic Trauma Unit, I was discharged to start the long and arduous rehabilitation process. I went from being a person who literally never sat down because life was far too busy to do so, to a person who had no choice other than to sit down and learn to walk safely and steadily again .... all under the watchful eyes of my physio’s and family.

It felt like forever but in reality it wasn’t too long before I was back driving, walking unaided and making slow and steady progress back in my familiar surroundings of the gym.... I attended regular check ups with Marcus who’s positivity and encouragement to return ‘back to my normal life’ always cheered me up and kept me going on days when I felt sad, sore and although I’m ashamed to admit this, sometimes quite sorry for myself. I can remember asking him at my first annual check up when I could start running again and he replied with a cheeky grin by saying “no marathons Deb for at least another twelve months” ... so I did as I was told and waited until 2016 to run the Chester Half Marathon to raise much needed and deserved donations for the team and unit who had literally put me back on my feet.

I’ve continued to run since then and it’s always been in the back of my mind how truly unbelievable and rewarding it would be to run a full marathon ... all 26.2 miles, in the hospital and charity’s home town of Liverpool. To be physically and mentally able to take on such a challenge and go on to raise funds for all of those who helped me during what was quite possibly one of the worst times of my life would be a dream come true for me. Just the minor detail now of putting my trainers on and getting started with the training .... I’m very lucky in that I have the full support of my husband Angelo, family, friends and a great running coach. For those who know me, there’s no doubt whatsoever that I’ll give 100% commitment over the next five and a bit months to ensure that I not only complete the marathon, but I’ll do so with a smile on my face, a heart full of love and a great deal of thanks to those who were there for me when I needed them the most!

Thank you for reading my story.... your support would be greatly appreciated  

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