My Story

This year I plan on completing the following events: 

Exmouth Triathlon, The Great West Run half marathon, The Plymouth rehabilitation Triathlon, The kempton park half marathon, The Bridgewater half marathon, The Goodwood marathon,  The London Marathon, and a host of virtual challenges with the conquer challenges. Marathon to Athens, English Channel (21 miles) and The Berlin Wall (30 miles) All of which will be wheeled using my everyday wheelchair. I am also hoping to set 2 new world records for the fastest female using a non-sport wheelchair to complete a half and full marathon. 

So, why am I doing all this? 

Three years ago I became a left below knee amputee.  My story began as a soldier in the British army, where my feet began to hurt when I ran. This eventually forced my leaving the army. I then retrained as a registered nurse, and was still very sporty. I was training to do marathons and a triathlon when my feet became unbearable. I has hammer toes. I received surgery on my first foot 9 years ago. This unfortunately led to a chronic pain condition called CRPS (chronic regional pain syndrome) which is the most painful condition known to human kind. It basically feels like your leg is on fire all of the time. 8 surgeries later, I eventually opted for the amputation to try to get rid of the pain. Unfortunately my CRPS returned, and meant I could not wear a prosthetic for very long, and was also diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. Over time, I became more and more wheelchair dependent,  and now am a full time wheelchair user. 

I was struggling financially as this forced my retirement from the job I loved as an NHS registered nurse. I was struggling with mobility and navigation of the minefield of disablity. This is where a stranger on an amputee page suggested I contact Blesma. They were incredible from the word go. Steve, the southwest support officer helped me regain my mobility (using my wheelchair), my independence with driving lessons, and even my pain, by putting me on pain courses. He has provided so much support both mentally and logistically. I would not be in the position I am today, where I can plan the events I am hoping to achieve this year, if it wasn't for Blesma

I was determined that the dreams I had before of completing marathons and triathlons were not going to be gone forever, so I learnt to adapt the way I trained for them. Wheeling in my wheelchair as far as I could. I hope to give back some of what blesma have given me, and hopefully inspire others on the way to realise that becoming a wheelchair user doesn't mean the end of sport and fitness, it means we have to adapt and can overcome with some help from amazing people like Blesma.