It’s 30 years since I was driven into head on by a drunk & drugged driver on the A12 with an 80mph impact. In April I’ll be taking on the London Landmarks Half Marathon for the cause I’m proud to work for: Marie Curie 💛.

It’ll be a big challenge as the injuries I sustained have a lasting impact: a broken back, pelvis in 3 x places, hip socket, wrist, hand, fingers, scarring, a head injury & I learnt to walk again. This led to other health issues over the years & I've had over 25 x operations including spinal, plastic, orbital decompression surgeries, (fortunately) a cancer misdiagnosis, bone marrow aspiration & pulmonary embolism to name a few.

In July 2025 I had my first MRI scan in 10 years after some problems with my hip/back & was informed I have arthritis of the spine, inward curvature & narrowing of the spine/canal, every lumbar disc protruding, hip pincer infringement & fraying of both hip sockets. It was one of the hardest appointments I've sat through with the added blow of a benign tumour being found as well……..but nothing was going to stop me training for the half marathon that I signed up to back in May 2025!

The drunk & drugged driver died that night & I and his drunk & drugged passenger were incorrectly placed in the same ambulance (due to a mix up of stretchers) where he threatened to kill the other driver (me) multiple times. Although grateful I have my life, I’ve a lifetime of repercussions to deal with which I try & do discreetly with a brave face. It also meant the end of my athletics dreams but….. all of this has made me who I am today.....the head strong & determined Helen, who never gives up & certainly not without a fight 😊!

I usually keep things private (but as I’m asking you to donate), I have for the first time ever shared photos of my car in the gallery above (so you can choose to view). It’d mean the world to me if you would donate as it’ll help me make it round & cope with the after effects.

Thanks to the friends who’ve stuck by me as a head injury changes you instantly & they’ve put up with a lot. Thanks to the consultants who (eventually) put me back together. Unfortunately A&E didn’t stabilise my back, hip & pelvis but I’m now fortunate to have 2 of the best hip & spinal consultants to guide me through future years.

I'd love to fund 3 x nights of our hospice care at home service or 36 x calls to our information, support & bereavement line. I'm looking forward to giving a little bit back to a cause I see making a real difference to people's lives every day whilst accomplishing something 30 years ago I'd have never thought possible.

Thanks so much,

Helen x

29/01/26: latest MRI scan shows a new area of stenosis & degeneration but this time of my cervical spine C5-C6, brought on early due to previous fractures of my spine. Quiet courage always triumphs 💛.