Patient stories
A 65-year-old father-of-three with motor neurone disease (MND) has broken four wheelchair Guinness World Records in a single day. Paul Jameson, from Godalming in Surrey, who can no longer walk or talk, described his feat as a journey from “tragedy to triumph”. The entrepreneur was diagnosed in June 2017 with progressive bulbar palsy (PBP) – [...]
By Askham Rehab Askham Rehab has long been at the forefront of cutting-edge neurological and complex rehabilitation, redefining what’s possible for individuals recovering from life-changing conditions. Our holistic, patient-centred approach ensures that each individual regains independence, confidence, and control over their lives. One of our remarkable success stories is Deborah Weston, a 61-year-old woman who [...]
A quadriplegic former rugby player has become the first person to successfully ascend a previously unclimbed 4,720m (15,485ft) peak in Kyrgyzstan’s Tien Shan mountains. Ed Jackson, 36, reached the summit on Saturday after two years of planning with a small team and a demanding climb over glacial terrain, steep ice and a rock climbing summit. [...]
An MND patient who lost her voice 25 years ago can now speak again after AI rebuilt it from an eight-second VHS clip. Sarah Ezekiel, 59, from Hendon in London, was left unable to speak or use her hands when motor neurone disease (MND) – a condition that damages the brain and nerves – struck [...]
On Wednesday 17 September, national charity Back Up presents Front Row: Next Gen - a groundbreaking fashion show that redefines what it means to walk the runway. The event returns with a focus on inclusive fashion, showcasing models with spinal cord injuries (SCIs) and raising funds to support Back Up’s work with people affected by [...]
A woman who suffered a spinal injury when she fell in the shower four years ago said she was “buzzing” after completing a triathlon dressed as Wonder Woman. Trish Brookes, from Crewe, Cheshire, took part in the Superhero Tri event in Windsor on Friday in the latest of a series of challenges in support of [...]
Charity rowers mistaken for migrants by an MP have finished the first leg of their Britain circumnavigation, reaching the Forth Bridge near Edinburgh. The Row4MND crew rowed around 900 miles since leaving Land’s End on 25 July, burning 450,000 calories while battling sleep deprivation and exhaustion. They are raising money for Leeds Hospitals Charity, the [...]
A 29-year-old has become the first woman to skateboard across the US, raising $50,000 for spinal cord research. Brooke Johnson completed the 3,266-mile journey in 119 days, travelling from Santa Monica, California, to Virginia Beach, finishing on Friday. Johnson undertook the challenge to raise money for Wings for Life, a nonprofit spinal cord research foundation, [...]
Brain injury survivor Sam’s dream was to visit California – and thanks to the support of his professional team, he was able to do that. Here, we look at the roles of his Deputy, case manager and occupational therapist in enabling Sam to fulfill his ambition Sam suffered a brain haemorrhage when he was born [...]
A retired army captain diagnosed with Parkinson’s is holding a tea party to raise £5,000 for research into the condition. Geoff Hodgson, 62, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in September last year. He and his husband Stephen Garry are organising the fundraiser to support others going through similar experiences. The event will take place at their [...]
