Horatio's Garden

Horatio's Garden Wales has recently opened at The Welsh Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Centre at the University Hospital, Llandough. Patients at the Centre spend, on average, 3-6 months there undergoing intensive rehabilitation and therapy to help come to terms with their life-changing injuries.

Horatio's Garden Wales is a stunning, peaceful sanctuary for patients and their families away from the wards. A spectacular garden means the space can be used in all weathers by both patients and staff alike. Throughout the garden, wildlife friendly planting provides year-round interest and biodiversity, with bird feeders encouraging wild birds to the garden.

After helping with the capital appeal for the creation of the garden, I am now fundraising to help with the ongoing annual upkeep of the garden, together with the fantastic therapies that the charity provides.

My Challenge

Pretty much every day since my spinal cord injury in 2014 I have thought about how easy it used to be to just step out the door and walk. Just stick on my shoes, open the door, and walk. Simple.

Things are not so straightforward anymore. Walking is difficult, painful and exhausting. For me to get anywhere I need crutches, orthotics, a wheelchair or a trike. I usually need a team of helpers too.

I'm clear though that I don't want my injury to make me give up on my dreams, one of which was to walk the 870 mile Wales Coast Path. So, I have decided to try and navigate the entire Wales Coast Path over the next 3 years. Either by wheelchair, by cycling on my recumbent trike or by hobbling a few steps with my crutches and orthotics. I am asking family & friends to walk sections that I am unable to manage and I am documenting my journey, with details of accessible sections, on instagram as a resource for others with mobility difficulties.

Thank you for reading my page and huge thanks for any support you are able to provide.

You can also get involved with the challenge by following @amandascoastalchallenge on instagram.