Will Bennett had a horrific climbing accident in Avon Gorge, becoming paraplegic and losing both of his legs, amongst other injuries. He then spent 2 years and 1 day in hospital, with over a 18 months of that being spent in Salisbury Odstock Spinal Treatment Centre. Now we are running Bristol's Half Marathon (through the Gorge!!) to raise money for the amazing nurses, physios and doctors that got him to where he is today to help do that for more patients.

Back in March 2017 Will took a 50 meter fall in Avon Gorge after a rockfall severed his safety ropes and pushed him off the cliff walls. He miraculously survived long enough to be taken to Southmead Hospital ICU in Bristol and after spending 3 month sin a coma and losing both legs, he eventually recovered enough to be transferred to Salisbury for further treatment and rehabilitation which lasted 21 months.

The Spinal department dealt with huge amounts of health complications, looked after him and taught him the skills he needs to live a full and independent life without a carer in a wheelchair for when he got back home earlier this year. Without their help and support and endless patience, the things he wants to go on to achieve would be impossible.

The Spinal Unit is really tight knit; the staff are like family to each other and as this is where patients tend to spend the longest duration in hospital due to the nature of Spinal Cord Injuries, lifelong friendships have been developed. The patients and families are always rooting for the staff to get better resources, funding and support which they are always struggling to get access to. The work they do is incredible and not without its stresses and lack of resource which puts strain on the quality of care they can provide.

Will holds the Spinal Unit close to his heart because in the time he spent there he made numerous friendships and thinks of the physios and nurses as friends and family who have got him through some of the darkest times, and brought him some of the best times in kind. He is much loved by all of them in return.

Anything that we can do to say thank you and to keep them being able to do the amazing work they carry out will be greatly appreciated by all who work there, are being treated there, and the families who spend months and years visiting their loved ones while they recover.