STEPHEN MUNRO
Claire's page
Fundraising for The Nicholls Spinal Injury Foundation
Story
Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.
Take a look at www.claireschallenge.co.uk
Since my accident in 2007 which left me paralysed from the chest down I have had too rebuild my life. Paralysis (spinal cord injury) is a devastating and life changing injury- not only do you lose the ability to walk, but also sensation, bowl and bladder functioning normally, circulation etc When I was in hospital I saw a lot of people with neck injuries and I felt fortunate to have use of my arms so decided to do what I could to raise money to help cure paralysis,. In Oct 2015 my fundraising shot above half-a-million- the most memorable event being the 2012 London Marathon. I walked the course in the ReWalk suit taking 17 days. Every step requires concentration and effort, I have to tilt my pelvis for the legs to take a step and moving the crutches is challenging as they help me stay upright! I have no sensation from the chest down so I can't even feel the ground I am walking on.
I was banned from the Vitality 10000 earlier in 2016 for the use of a motor (unfair advantage!) - which I was then allowed to do as an "unofficial competitor". I completed it in 12 hours- started at 5 am on The Mall in London. The organisers of the Great North Run heard that I had been banned, and even though under the same rules they offered me a place and I will be an official entry for the first time. They are even starting me 5 days early!
I will start on Wednesday 7th September following an assembly at Newcastle High School, I will also present assembly's at two other schools in Newcastle before I walk on the Thursday and Friday. I will be training hard for this and know it will be demanding- and slow but..
"THE HARDER THE STRUGGLE THE MORE GLORIOUS THE TRIUMPH"
"THE HARDER THE STRUGGLE THE MORE GLORIOUS THE TRIUMPH"
When it feels like I can't take another step because my core and arms are fatiguing I shall think of all those who would love to be able to - and if each step raises a little bit of money- then there is a good chance one day people paralysed will regain some function again :)
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