Join me on my journey for GB para selection
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In April 2018, Shaun was involved in a catastrophic motorbike accident. He was taken by air ambulance to hospital with life threatening injuries. His family were told to prepare for the worst and nobody thought that he would survive.
The accident was devastating, Shaun sustained multiple spinal cord injuries an incomplete fracture at T7/8 and a lesion at T12 and was placed into a medically induced coma for 6 weeks. The recovery and rehabilitation involved has been intense with some incredible results due to Shaun’s determination and commitment.
Before his accident, Shaun was extremely active and enjoyed physical activities such as boxing and kick boxing. He also worked hard at multiple jobs to support his family. It is this attitude that has enabled him to achieve his goals thus far. His rehabilitation continues alongside a new found love for Kayaking or paddling as it is referred to within the sport. He currently trains five mornings a week on the water at Norwich Canoe Club with the support of his coach and rehabilitation team. In addition, he attends land sessions in the gym four afternoons a week to enhance his performance on the water. All this on top of rehabilitation sessions with Physiotherapy twice a week.
“After my spinal cord injury, I felt lost, I was lacking routine and direction, and this was impacting on my mental health quite significantly. I was getting cabin fever and feeling locked inside four walls with nothing to do. Life felt empty. I found Kayaking through a friend and contacted Norwich Canoe Club who have a active para squad. I had no experience of being on the water, but within my first few sessions I could already feel the benefits: I felt mentally free from my injuries, I was in the moment enjoying the freedom of being out on the water - moving the same as everyone around me.
I soon realised I was getting pretty good at this and discovered the competitive sprint side of paddling! I was hooked…. the wellbeing benefits and routine meant I had to start looking after myself better. I was eating properly, sleeping better and training harder. After several months of training, I could see my progress and am I now working hard towards various competitive, and hopefully professional, events.
I am now on the fringes of the English National Para Talent Squad for British Canoeing. My goal is GB selection, My times continue to improve: achieving these goals mean everything to me and is my primary focus – being so involved is helping drive my overall rehabilitation and recovery too.
I would love to have the opportunity to show other people going through challenges in life how finding a passion can transform your life, so they realise it doesn’t have to feel like the end.”
We are raising funds to fund Shaun’s training, coaching, rehabilitation and grading/competition costs, to help him reach his aim of competing within the Kayaking Team GB. He hopes to turn his love for kayaking into a career after joining the Paralympic team.
The deadline for Shaun to reach the time threshold to join the team is fast approaching, and due to limited funds there is a threat that Shaun will not receive the support, training and coaching that he needs to reach his goal.
If you are able to support Shaun’s journey, we would be most grateful.
The accident was devastating, Shaun sustained multiple spinal cord injuries an incomplete fracture at T7/8 and a lesion at T12 and was placed into a medically induced coma for 6 weeks. The recovery and rehabilitation involved has been intense with some incredible results due to Shaun’s determination and commitment.
Before his accident, Shaun was extremely active and enjoyed physical activities such as boxing and kick boxing. He also worked hard at multiple jobs to support his family. It is this attitude that has enabled him to achieve his goals thus far. His rehabilitation continues alongside a new found love for Kayaking or paddling as it is referred to within the sport. He currently trains five mornings a week on the water at Norwich Canoe Club with the support of his coach and rehabilitation team. In addition, he attends land sessions in the gym four afternoons a week to enhance his performance on the water. All this on top of rehabilitation sessions with Physiotherapy twice a week.
“After my spinal cord injury, I felt lost, I was lacking routine and direction, and this was impacting on my mental health quite significantly. I was getting cabin fever and feeling locked inside four walls with nothing to do. Life felt empty. I found Kayaking through a friend and contacted Norwich Canoe Club who have a active para squad. I had no experience of being on the water, but within my first few sessions I could already feel the benefits: I felt mentally free from my injuries, I was in the moment enjoying the freedom of being out on the water - moving the same as everyone around me.
I soon realised I was getting pretty good at this and discovered the competitive sprint side of paddling! I was hooked…. the wellbeing benefits and routine meant I had to start looking after myself better. I was eating properly, sleeping better and training harder. After several months of training, I could see my progress and am I now working hard towards various competitive, and hopefully professional, events.
I am now on the fringes of the English National Para Talent Squad for British Canoeing. My goal is GB selection, My times continue to improve: achieving these goals mean everything to me and is my primary focus – being so involved is helping drive my overall rehabilitation and recovery too.
I would love to have the opportunity to show other people going through challenges in life how finding a passion can transform your life, so they realise it doesn’t have to feel like the end.”
We are raising funds to fund Shaun’s training, coaching, rehabilitation and grading/competition costs, to help him reach his aim of competing within the Kayaking Team GB. He hopes to turn his love for kayaking into a career after joining the Paralympic team.
The deadline for Shaun to reach the time threshold to join the team is fast approaching, and due to limited funds there is a threat that Shaun will not receive the support, training and coaching that he needs to reach his goal.
If you are able to support Shaun’s journey, we would be most grateful.
Organizer
Shaun Cook
Organizer
England
