Story
Take a look at www.claireschallenge.co.uk
Since my accident in 2007 which left me paralysed from the chest down I have had too rebuild my life. Paralysis (spinal cord injury) is a devastating and life changing injury- not only do you lose the ability to walk, but also sensation, bowl and bladder functioning normally, circulation etc When I was in hospital I saw a lot of people with neck injuries and I felt fortunate to have use of my arms so decided to do what I could to raise money to help cure paralysis,. In Oct 2015 my fundraising shot above half-a-million- the most memorable event being the 2012 London Marathon. I walked the course in the ReWalk suit taking 17 days. Every step requires concentration and effort, I have to tilt my pelvis for the legs to take a step and moving the crutches is challenging as they help me stay upright! I have no sensation from the chest down so I can't even feel the ground I am walking on.
Unfortunately the Vitality 10000 team have rejected my entry- however if I raise over £1000 before then I will take on the challenge of the course even though I will not be an official competitor. The furthest I walked in a day on the London Marathon was 2.25 miles and it about killed me! I don't know if this is possible to complete but I want to give it my best shot.
The reason I am not allowed to be a competitor is because the suit (Fred) is motorised- I only wish this meant it was easy for me! Yes, the legs are moved by the suit but only by me working the parts of my body that are not paralysed. I have to work hard for every single step out on the course- especially with any uneven pavements, hills, camber etc
I will be training for this and know it is hard work- and slow but..
"THE HARDER THE STRUGGLE THE MORE GLORIOUS THE TRIUMPH"
If I can raise the £1000- I will be there next to the start line and then make my way around the course- step by step.
Thanks for your kind support
Claire x
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