In May 2002, I had a very bad accident while horse riding in Portugal. I came off headfirst into a tree and broke several vertebrae which could have left me in a wheelchair for life, or worse.  Thanks to the skill and care of everyone involved, and a certain amount of luck, I didn't suffer from any spinal cord damage.  My head and neck had to be supported with a special brace, called a 'halo' so I could get home safely.   A year later I had my spine fused, which made it possible for me to continue leading an active life.  Most importantly, it has made it possible for me to undertake this challenge.

The challenge is that my friend Bridget and I are going to walk the last 120Km of the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela in northern Spain.  We will be walking over a five day period, covering about 24Km per day.  We are hoping to raise £5000 for Spinal Research.  I have always felt incredibly blessed to have escaped the fate of Christopher Reeve, who had his accident after mine, and ended up paralysed from the neck down.  I became interested in the charity because of the amazing research that they are doing and hopefully one day it will be possible to repair damage to the spinal cord and give those patients a chance to  walk again.

Please help us achieve our goal by sponsoring us on our pilgrimage!  

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor us: Spinal Research will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

Many thanks for your support.

Sue Roberts & Bridget Whitley