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Mark Lawrence Grass raised £11,895 from 83 supporters
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Closed 29/03/2021
Weʼve raised £11,895 to help fund my rehabilitation through physio and hydrotherapy after suffering a spinal cord injury
- Funded on Monday, 29th March 2021
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Story
On the 28th of March 2018 I was rushed into Milton Keynes Hospital having collapsed at home and unable to feel my legs. On admission I underwent an MRI scan that showed I had suffered a spinal epidural. In simple terms an infection had entered my body and latched itself on the spinal cord causing paralysis of my legs. I was rushed to the Nuffield Orthopaedic Hospital in Oxford where I underwent an emergency operation to remove the infection from my spine.
After spending an initial three weeks in the Oxford hospital I was transferred to the Stoke Mandeville Spinal Unit where I was diagnosed with a spinal cord injury at Thorax level 7 rendering me almost totally paralysed from the waist down. Despite this shocking news I did have a level of feeling and sensation in my legs which gave me hope that I could with intense physio be able to rehabilitate.
Over the next six months I would embark on a journey of intense physio, hydrotherapy and patient education which would provide me with the basic skill sets to live as independently as possible. Nine weeks post operation passed without any lower limb movement until after several Hydrotherapy lessons I woke up one morning to see my toes moving. This initial movement would increase over the coming weeks and months as the intensity of physio increased. I now had a real sense of belief and reason for optimism and continued my rehab. Despite the increased activity in my legs the level of my injury and muscle waist meant I was unable to stand unaided. As a result I was unable to extend my stay in hospital and was discharged on the 26th of September a permanent wheelchair user.
Now back at home with the love and support of both family and close friends I am embarking on a life changing journey that is seeing me integrate back into the community whilst continuing my fight to walk again. Unfortunately the NHS are unable to support my need for physio having discharged from hospital and I am having to fund my own physio privately, a cost I can ill afford. A 1 hour Physio session is £70 and a 45 minute Hydro lesson is £75. I require a minimum of one a week.
Medical research into spinal cord injuries suggests that the optimum time to rehab is within the first two years post operation, so the more I can do in the next twelve months the greater the chance of achieving my goal of walking again.
With your willingness to make a donation however small I maybe able to continue with my physiotherapy and increase my chance of my goal
Best Wishes
Mark
Updates
15
- 3 years ago
Mark Lawrence Grass
3 years agoAm coming the end of my three week re-admission to Stoke Mandenville Hospital for intense physio and Hydrotherapy. Have made some progress, albeit slow. The goal was to be able to take a few step with the aid of a wheeled Zimmer Frame. I have not quite achieved the goal due to lack of strength in my various leg muscles. On discharge I will return to Neurokinex and continue my physio to strengthen the weak areas. Thank you all for your continued support XX
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- 4 years ago
Mark Lawrence Grass
4 years agoCouldn't let you go without sending a front on shot. just scrolled through all my supporters and generous donations.........thanks again for all your continued support Grassy
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- 4 years ago
Mark Lawrence Grass
4 years agoHi all, A watershed moment achieved yesterday where after 2 years of physio I finally stood with minimal support from my physio. Standing in the parallel bars without the aid of my hands on the bars. was unabl to do this at the start of my session but could stand for approximately 2 minute. Using my glutes, lower back muscles and hips was able to maintain a good posture. On the 25th November I will be re-admitted to Stoke Mandeville Hospital for a 3 week high intensity stay with both land and hydro therapy. Will keep you posted
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Mark Lawrence Grass started crowdfunding
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Supporters
83
Anonymous
Dec 13, 2020
With love
david colley
Jun 16, 2020
Best wishes Mark. Dave and Melanie.
£200.00
Robert salmon
May 22, 2020
Hi Mark,Hope you and the family are ok in these challenging times.Best wishesBob and Leigh
£30.00
Anonymous
May 22, 2020
£200.00
George & Paula
Sep 17, 2019
All the Best Mark
£40.00
Andrew Summerfield
Aug 28, 2019
MarkWishing you lots of luck with yourrehabilitation.
£10.00
Kevin Keable
Aug 26, 2019
Nurse...I have a swelling.Hello my old friend sad news to hear about your health.Looks like u have a great support network of friends & family & Im sure you will pull through. C U at the cricket l8r
£50.00
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