Just over 20 years ago, at the age of 80, my lovely Grandpa fell from his loft down the stairwell and broke his spinal cord. He was immediately paralysed from the waist down and never walked again. The effect this had on him, his family and close friends was indescribable. Until this time he was still working, playing golf and enjoying life. After this accident, which happened in a split second, his life, and that of those around him, was never the same again.
The day of the accident Grandpa was taken to Stoke Mandeville Hospital where the Spinal Injuries Association (SIA) was immediately involved. The care and attention the specialists and support staff gave to him and us as a family was immense. The SIA believes that, with the right support and information, people can still enjoy a full and independent life after injury.
A spinal cord injury could happen to any of us. Grandpa's injury occurred whilst doing something he had done many times before, but one slip and life changed. The SIA relies on donations for giving support and services for spinal cord injured people and their families. Spinal cord injury is one of the most devastating traumas that can affect the human body. In the UK every year over 1,000 people experience a spinal cord injury and there are an estimated 40,000 spinal cord injured people.
On the 2 January I started my gruelling 16 week training programme to run the London Marathon on the 26 April 2009. It has been one of the hardest things I have ever done. The commitment has been huge. I promised effort, enthusiasm and a big smile. I did that! I am now suffering physically, mentally and emotionally!
Thank you so much for your support.
Sophie
