I have decided to take on the challenge of running the London Marathon at the end of April to raise money for the Spinal Injuries Association (SIA). This charity has recently become incredibly important to not only me and my immediate family’s life but even more important to my in-laws’ lives.

At the end of November 2022 my father-in-law, Jon, was out walking a Welsh hillside local to his then home in South Wales with his wife, Ann and some wider family. During that walk Jon’s life changed forever. He slipped and fell breaking his neck, more specifically his C2 and C3 vertebra. Jon was airlifted off the hillside and rushed to hospital where his neck was operated on. This operation ultimately saved Jon’s life but sadly it couldn’t reverse the damage that had been done to his spinal cord, leaving him predominantly paralysed from his neck down. Jon spent almost 9 months in hospital before transferring to a specalised spinal rehabilitation unit for 3 months.

SIA stepped in with their support to Ann, Jon and us all as soon as Jon moved to his rehabilitation unit. They regularly visited the unit liaising, providing information, answering questions and giving talks about life with a spinal cord injury. The support from SIA continued as we all geared up for Jon to come home. Ann had, had to sell their old family home as it wasn’t suitable for Jon, move to a new house and make a number of adaptations so that Jon could come home. But, with the continuous support of SIA and many other professionals Jon finally came home in November 2023. Recovery has been long and is continuous.

The support of SIA hasn’t and doesn’t stop just because Jon is now home. They are constantly in contact helping with day-to-day queries, emotional support, as well as using their time, expertise and connections to make pathways towards the correct care and a fulfilled life for Jon and Ann. SIA also help by acting as an advocate for Jon when dealing with healthcare professionals. Fighting for the best care and health outcome for Jon.

Please sponsor me and so, donating to this incredibly worthy cause. Also check out the SIA website (https://spinal.co.uk/) for more information.