Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.
I was injured in an eventing accident in 2007. I have a T4 spinal cord injury which means I am paralysed from the chest down. During my time in hospital I saw many people who had had their lives turned upside down - some who are unable to breath without the use of a ventilator. I have been very lucky to have a lot of support from family and friends helping me deal with this catastophic injury- some don't have this support.
Spinal cord injuries doesn't just mean you can't walk any more- but also effects sensation, bowel and bladder function, circulation, temperature regulation, sexual function, bone density. It is a lot to deal with when you are injured and can lead to depression as well.
A spinal injury can happen to anyone at anytime in a split second- a cure must be found!
Spinal Research are getting closer to finding a cure and need vital funds- this is why I am walking the London Marathon for them.WE NEED TO RAISE AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE FOR SPINAL RESEARCH.
So what am I doing?? There is a robotic suit (www.argomedtec.co.uk) which allows paraplegics to walk again. I am taking on the challenge of learning to walk in the suit and walking the London Marathon commencing on 22nd April 2012 and finishing a fair few days later!! See an early training session:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DcixoiXsU84
My friends have been amazing and helped fundraise for me to get a suit. Stars of the equestrian world stripped off to produce a naked calendar, The Matt Hampson Foundation gave a generous donation (www.matthampsonfoundation.org) plus lots of other friends helping raise money for me to get the suit. or given donations. I have also set up my own jewellery design (www.dalliance-jewellery.co.uk).
Visit www.get-claire-walking.co.uk for more info.
My first training session was on the 23rd January- it was a challenge for sure, but what is wrong with a challenge?! I don't know how long I will need to train to be able to walk well enough for the Marathon. However- I think 26 miles will seem a very long way!! I will keep updating this page with my progress
I have some of my best friends going to join me on the 26 mile route to help me keep up my motivation and shake buckets for Spinal research. Every £1 counts. My daughter, Maisie, is going to join me too- in fact she is also hoping to be walking by then! Come on Maisie Moo- you can learn with mummy!
Every donation helps- and Spinal rsearch and I appreciate every penny we can raise.
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So please dig deep and donate now.
