In hospital wards up and down the country, supporters like you make the extraordinary happen by funding innovations needed to improve care for patients. One such innovation is a treadmill like no other, that is making the most phenomenal impact on one patient’s recovery. Louise tells her unbelievable story. Donations like yours have helped Louise to walk again
the opportunity to move to the Forest Ward, which is a rehabilitation ward in Swindon. It was here that I was introduced to the most incredible team of physiotherapists, who believed in me from day one and repeatedly told me I could achieve anything. And with their help, extraordinary things started to happen. Against all the odds, they worked tirelessly with me so I could learn how to sit again. Once I had mastered that, I began to learn to stand. Although what happened to me was horrific, I always held on to a little bit of hope that my life wasn’t completely over and that I would regain feeling again. When I managed to stand, we were all completely overwhelmed that I’d done it. Then Alex the physio asked me if I was willing to try the treadmill. It’s a special rehabilitation treadmill, with a harness that takes your upper body weight. At first I was terrified I was going to fall, but the harness made me feel safe and secure and gave me confidence in my ability. In just three weeks, I was able to move my feet by myself – it was a feeling I can’t describe. Everyone was so excited and there were lots of tears. I wholeheartedly believe, if it wasn’t for that treadmill, I wouldn’t be walking. It allowed me to keep practising, until I could take my own weight again. One day I reached 300 metres and haven’t stopped since.” “Thanks to this groundbreaking piece of kit, I have my life back. It’s not the same life I had before but it means my boys have a mum they can still do things with and a mum who can hug them.”
Louise walking for the first time down the ward hallway
“It’s the reason I’m able to get around the house. If I hadn’t been introduced to the treadmill, our home would have needed to be adapted, and I would have lived in one room, being hoisted around and relying on 24/7 care. I have quality of life and it’s all down to this one piece of equipment, and of course Alex, Laura and Holly, my wonderful physiotherapists, who never gave up on the really difficult and dark days of this journey. They stood by me and supported me nonstop, even when I couldn’t see a way out. If it wasn’t for them, I don’t think I would be where I am either. I now want to give back to the NHS, because it has quite literally saved my life. It was there from the moment I sustained this horrendous injury up to where I am now, and I am so thankful for this service.’’
Louise using the rehabilitation treadmill
“In March 2023, my life changed forever. I sustained an injury that I shouldn’t have survived, and I knew nothing would ever be the same again. I was told I would never walk, stand or even sit. My entire world fell apart. I’d lost my independence instantly and needed constant care and support. As a mum, all I could think of was my two children and the fact I would never be able to walk alongside them or hug them again. I was in a very dark place, but I knew I had to survive. I was in hospital for a total of seven months. At first I was in the trauma ward, but later got
This is just one example of the incredible impact your kindness and generosity can have. Thanks to your support we can continue to fund more innovations across the UK to give more people like Louise the very best chance of recovery. This is just one example of the incredible impact your kindness and generosity can have. Thanks to your support we can continue to fund more innovations across the UK to give more people like Louise the very best chance of recovery.
WE NHS
AUTUMN 2024
Your continued support is so appreciated by us all, thank you.
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