The Charity

Rookwood SpUR is a registered charity set up with the aim of promoting and improving the quality of life and opportunities for patients undergoing lengthy rehabilitation at the Welsh Spinal Injuries Unit.  The charity arranges social activities for the patients, including music nights, pizza evenings & pamper sessions alongside purchasing equipment and items to make things easier for those coming to terms with life changing injuries on the Unit. As a trustee of the charity I organise the annual Wheel 4 Rookwood Spur event but Covid19 has meant that this has not been able to take place.

In 2021 the Unit relocated from Rookwood Hospital to Llandough Hospital, Cardiff and the charity will be helping to fund items that are needed by the patients, including televisions, microwaves and equipment in a new rehabilitation bungalow.

My Challenge

Pretty much every day since my spinal cord injury in 2014 I have thought about how easy it used to be to just step out the door and walk. Just stick on my shoes, open the door, and walk. Simple.

Things are not so straightforward anymore. Walking is difficult, painful and exhausting. For me to get anywhere I need crutches, orthotics, a wheelchair or a trike. I usually need a team of helpers too.

I'm clear though that I don't want my injury to make me give up on my dreams, one of which was to walk the 870 mile Wales Coast Path. So, I have decided to try and navigate the entire Wales Coast Path over the next 3 years. Either by wheelchair, by cycling on my recumbent trike or by hobbling a few steps with my crutches and orthotics. I am asking family & friends to walk sections that I am unable to manage and I am documenting my journey, with details of accessible sections, on instagram as a resource for others with mobility difficulties.

Thank you for reading my page and huge thanks for any support you are able to provide.

You can also get involved with the challenge by following @amandascoastalchallenge on instagram.