Hi, I’m Abbie and I will be abseiling 90ft over Millers viaduct bridge to help support the work of the SIA, a charity that have supported me in so many different ways after I had a Spinal Stroke in 2019 resulting in a C4 Spinal Cord Injury.

My Story

Before 26th of May 2019, although it may not have always seemed it at the time, life was incredibly easy. Running in the outdoors was like therapy to me, I would spontaneously go out with friends at the drop of a hat, dancing was a daily occurrence with my Primary School class, I was beginning to travel the world and explore the places I had always dreamed of going and I had just bought my first home.

In Hospital I became a bit of a mystery. According to the emergency department my CT and MRI scans were completely clear and I was diagnosed with a panic attack and sent up to AMU. When my breathing started deteriorating I was taken seriously for the first time by a consultant who initiated my move down to ICU. The next day I was told I was going to be put into an induced coma to allow my body to rest and heal. A couple of days later I woke up with a tracheotomy and a main line in my neck. I was transferred to another hospital for specialist treatment before being moved to a Spinal Rehabilitation Unit after my tracheostomy had been removed.

It was in this unit that I was introduced to the SIA by Chris, who was a support network coordinator. My new world became flooded with a wealth of vital support and knowledge, something that is so valuable to anyone when they feel so lost in their journeys.

When Covid became a phenomenon and a lock down was announced, everyone was transferred out of the unit and I found myself being transferred to a neurological care home which I can honestly say was one of the most difficult experiences I have been through in my life, physically, mentally and emotionally. There was such little knowledge of spinal cord injury that every day felt like a battle to get basic support for my needs.

It was whilst I was at the neurological centre that the SIA supported me when I needed them the most. Damien and Karen have not only helped me with medical enquiries but have also informed me about travel, blue badges and trusted care providers. Stephen was there for me emotionally for months whilst I was at the care home and reminded me that I was not alone. Counselling is precious when anyone is at their most vulnerable and being able to speak with someone who has also been through a life changing experience is so precious. Susie supported me in getting a suitable shower chair and Mandy supported me through CHC reviews.

After around two and a half years, I finally made it home and that is when I feel My new life really began. My biggest challenge initially overcoming institutionalised routines that had become my life for so long. I needed to regain my confidence and throw myself into a world that now looked very different to me. If I'm being honest with myself, although I did throw myself into a new normal, it was only after filming my story with Dan and Sam for Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Day last year, that I truly began to live life without restricting myself worrying about what others may think about my disability. Since being home I have enjoyed so many adventures from gliding, festivals, forest walks, holidays and most recently the SIA Charity Polo.

The Sia introduced to me so many amazing people and I am truly grateful for those connections and the support I have received so far. This year I have started volunteering with you focusing on fundraising with Sallie and Matt I am privileged to support a charity that have helped me so much.

By supporting Spinal Injuries Association, you’re helping us provide life-changing services, from expert advice and peer support to campaigning for better care and opportunities. You’re giving people their independence back.

Thank you so much!