As you read this I’m training hard in a bid to complete the Vichy Half-Ironman challenge on August 24, 2019. I need to swim 1.25 miles in open water, cycle 56 miles and then run a half marathon – 13.1
miles.  What’s more, I need to complete all three disciplines in under eight hours! It’s a big challenge!

Why I’m doing this

Every stroke, turn of the wheels and step is for an incredibly good cause, the inspiration for which has come from my very dear friend Sharon who I’ve had the pleasure of knowing for over 36 years.

Sharon was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis 25 years ago and is wheelchair-bound.  She is paralysed from the neck down and completely reliant on carers, family and friends for her every need.  A key part of her therapy is conducted at Neurokinex (neurokinex.org.uk) a spinal-cord injury rehabilitation charity, at its Hemel Hempstead site.  Sharon tells me that she doesn’t know where she’d be without her weekly Neurokinex session. 

They have helped her so much, adapting her treatment as her condition
has progressed. Even today, with her MS at a very advanced stage, the team at Neurokinex have Sharon standing up with aid and she tells me they even manage to have her using a treadmill with the assistance of four incredible trainers. I can only imagine the adrenalin rush these sessions give her and I know their care and positive attitude lifts her spirits for days.

Fulfilling her wish

Sharon inspires me daily and I want to honour our friendship and her courage by taking on a challenge to help her and others like her.  Sharon asked me to raise funds for Neurokinex which, as a young charity, really needs our support.  Sadly, Sharon knows her own condition won’t improve but she has met many other clients at Neurokinex, including some very young children, who are making terrific gains thanks to the life-changing therapies on offer there.  Her dearest wish is to raise money to ensure their extraordinary work continues. 

What is Neurokinex?

Neurokinex specialises in Activity Based Rehabilitation – where they work BELOW the point of injury – to actively stimulate nerve pathways and muscles within the body that are considered paralysed. Neurokinex clients take part in activities such as active standing, cycling, walking and rowing, tailored to their neurological impairment. Using modern and sophisticated equipment with the assistance of trained and experienced professionals, clients participate in activities which see them standing on their feet, completing movements and using all parts of their body whether they are functional or not.

The Science Bit!

The Neurokinex rehabilitation and wellbeing programmes target the entire nervous and musculoskeletal system rather than only the functional areas of the body.  This is done by stimulating and loading the nervous and musculoskeletal systems through carefully crafted, task-specific exercises and activities with the assistance of skilled therapists.  Its diverse range of specialised rehabilitative equipment comprises of anti-gravity gait systems, functional electrical stimulation (FES) devices, specialised balance trainers and an incredible range of strength and fitness equipment. This enables rich and varied programmes to be delivered including a variety of weight-bearing activities, balance and stand training, gait and locomotor training, electrical stimulation, upper and lower body cycling, vibration therapy and strength training. 

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity. 

Please remember if you are a UK taxpayer to tick for gift aid 

Donating through Gift Aid means Neurokinex can claim an extra 25p for every £1 you donate. It will not cost you any extra.