On  May 15th 2019 I sustained a spinal cord injury resulting in emergency surgery and leaving me with a paralysed left leg and foot. A keen runner, yoga teacher, nurse and mother to four children, my world was turned upside down. Overnight I was unable to walk,  pick up my children or care for myself,  let alone my family. I have had to learn to walk again and adapt to living with a disability. 

After months of despair,I found Neurokinex - a specialist spinal cord injury rehabilitation facility. They immediately understood my injury and gave me confidence and hope.

I count myself lucky to have found Neurokinex and even luckier to be able to have my first six free sessions paid for by them as part of a generous NHS-referral programme.  It simply changed my life.

As a result of the Covid-19 impact, the Neurokinex Newly Injured Scheme of six free sessions is at risk through lack of funds. Its Step Up Appeal aims to raise £25,000 to protect these vital services which I know can be a life-changing opportunity. 

To help raise money, I marked the first anniversary of my injury by walking 10K. It took me 3 hours and 50 minutes but I did it! 

Now, incredibly, my close friend Wendy has pledged to run 42 miles to support this Appeal.  I met Wendy at Brighton University in 1999 as student nurses and we have stayed close over the last 20 years. 

To have Wendy back me up in such a selfless way is absolutely incredible. It means the world to me that she is getting behind the Step Up Appeal, recognising its importance to me.

The Newly Injured Scheme costs £420 per person. We want to raise £4,200 to secure this opportunity for 10 more people.

Thank you for sponsoring us.

Laura x