I have had a spinal injury since 2015 and have been using hydrotherapy and swimming as the main part of my therapy and recovery for years. I found out about the Aspire Channel Swim when I was looking for a new challenge to keep me focused on my recovery. My husband thought I was mad and laughed when I told him! It’s difficult to stay motivated in recovery and the thought of taking on the challenge to help other people is a big motivation and driving force that will keep me focussed and on track. 

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I swim most days and break the sessions into manageable chunks as I still suffer with a great deal of fatigue. Co-ordinating swimming movements with my limbs has been a big challenge. I underwent a bone marrow transplant nine months ago so I am still very much in the recovery phase of that, so I have to be careful not to push myself too much.

I enjoy swimming as it’s the only time I feel relatively normal and in control of my body.

I used to enjoy exercising immensely prior to being paralysed in 2015 but I’m unable to run like I did before. Walking is also a struggle for which I need to use aids for and for distances I need a wheelchair, whereas swimming I can do without worrying about falling. To be able to feel more in control of my body without fear of falls is a huge boost for me.  Mentally it helps me too as I feel like I am achieving something when I swim.

My main reason for swimming is therapy. Swimming 22 miles will continue to keep me motivated and help with my mental health and physical wellbeing. I suffer with a lot of painful muscle contractions, stiffness and spasms and hydrotherapy-based exercise helps with that. I also have significant weakness in some muscles which means I cannot swim many different strokes. I use a float to help me when trying to complete some movements, swimming strokes and lengths. 

I suffer with extreme fatigue due to my bone marrow transplant and underlying medical conditions.  I am still undergoing treatment as part of the transplant which requires me to have infusions every three weeks and injections twice a week, which have unpleasant side effects, and I have to be very careful not to catch any bugs as I’m still very immune compromised. Trying to stay motivated to exercise when you feel tired and unwell is very difficult.

I’m also diagnosed with autonomic dysfunction as part of my spinal cord injury so I struggle with controlling my heart rate and suffer with quite severe brain fog and concentration issues, so counting lengths when I’m focusing on the limb movements required to swim can be a challenge. We bought a watch I can wear in the pool to calculate how far I’ve swum and alert me when my heart rate becomes too high.  I’m also unable to regulate my own body temperature so it’s extremely important for me to make sure that I’m not getting too hot or cold whilst in the pool. Entering and exiting the pool can also be challenging as well as dressing and undressing, but my swim buddy, family member or staff are always on hand to help me. 

Fundraising

I struggle with fundraising as I’m very aware that people are struggling with bills and the cost of living so I feel very conscious of that when asking for donations. I enjoy the feeling of giving back and the thought of helping other people in greater need than myself really spurs me on to try to do my best and raise as much money as I can, which is easier to do when it’s a charity very close to my heart. 

I am planning to ask my nurses to put a poster up in the infusion room I attend in a busy London hospital for my treatment and I’m going to ask the local pool where I swim in Immingham if they would be able to put a poster up in the reception area. My husband is hoping to make a TikTok video to raise awareness for Aspire too! 

Paralysis and spinal cord injuries seem to be a heartbreaking reoccurring theme throughout my life and those closest to me, which is why this charity swim and fundraising for Aspire means so much to me.

I have a dear friend and former work colleague who had a spinal stroke a few years ago and it’s been extremely painful to have to watch her go through the journey as well.  Then last year one of my closest friends also sustained a spinal cord injury and had to undergo surgery. Witnessing someone close to you suffer and worry about total paralysis and the recovery effects after spinal surgery is heart wrenching.

I also had to watch my mum become paralysed over the last couple of years - it was initially thought to be caused by a spinal cord injury, but she sadly passed away from Motor Neurone disease a few months ago.

It means everything for me to be able to raise money to support others with spinal cord injuries.  Without the support, adaptations and equipment we were able to put in place for me after I was paralysed, I would not have recovered the use of my arms and legs as much as I have. To be able to help others do the same and improve their quality of life is immeasurable. 

Dream big, never stop trying, stay positive and always think of others - kindness is everything!

Sponsor Tracy

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