It's Member of the Month time!
One of our favourite things to do at Parkwood is celebrate YOU, our fabulous members!
This month, the award goes to Wendy!
Below is Wendy's story in her own words:
"Whilst living in Hong Kong 30 years ago, I sustained a spinal injury during a solo sky-diving accident. The accident caused shattering and breaking of a number of my vertebrae, with bone fragments lodged in my spinal cord - this resulted in paralysis from the waist down. I was left with the prospect of not being able to walk again.
An amazing team of doctors performed pioneering spinal surgery, with a bone graft and spinal fusion. I then underwent intense physical therapy to regain mobility. I graduated from a wheelchair to a zimmer frame, to walking sticks and finally to walking unaided.
I still have a significant loss of feeling in my right leg, with right-sided weakness, due to the spinal cord damage, but I can walk! I continue to receive on-going support and annual reviews with the Spinal Team at Salisbury District Hospital, who are amazing.
The key to my recovery has always been exercise. Since joining Parkwood 12 years ago, my fitness level and recovery has excelled. I come to the gym 5-6 times a week to swim, use the gym and attend a range of classes - I'm particularly fond of Gavin's Hot Yoga class.
Exercise helps me to keep my body and core strong enough to outweigh the physical deficit caused by my injury. My commitments to physical fitness is what allows me to continue to lead as normal a day-to-day life as I possibly can."