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I suffer from spinal cord myelopathy which is a progressive condition of the spinal cord.  I have run for many years, but sadly my condition worsened rapidly causing weakness in all my limbs and eventually it would of progressed to paralysis, quadriplegia from the neck down. I was loosing sensation, coordination in my limbs, and my only option was major surgery to the spine in the neck region, or to spend my life in a wheelchair, with loss of use of all limbs, bowel and bladder.

Despite the risks of the operation, which included motor and sensory loss in all 4 limbs, incontinence of both bowel and bladder, indeed paralysis (quadriplegia) and vascular injury which could lead to life threatening complications I decided to go ahead.  The surgery took place on 3 November 2014, it lasted all day and I had screws, plates, spacers and donor bone implanted in my neck.  The surgery was not to make be better but delay the severe progression of myelopathy.  I awoke from surgery in the early evening to the voices of my children and husband.  I was unable to move my legs still or swallow due to the swelling in my neck.  Just 48 hours after surgery I  regained feeling in my feet, and some strength in my legs.

Despite the odds, I have started to run again, I will never win a race, but I am grateful to be able to participate to raise money for Back-Up, spinal charity.  I have pushed myself both physically and mentally from the day I was able to get out of that hospital bed, and here I am about to embark on my first ever race for a charity that helps so many people not quite as lucky as me.

I still suffer from coordination, balance and neurological problems caused by the damage to the spinal cord, and I know in the future I will face further surgery but for now I am able to do what I love.  For that I am very grateful and would like to show my thanks to all that have supported me through this period in my life. XXXXXX