Wing-walk to help people with spinal cord injury

Hi, I'm Andy and I survived being knocked off my bike by a car in 2022. I suffered a broken neck in three places and my spinal cord was crushed, I lost a lot of spinal fluid and needed titanium plates to stabilise my neck. My wife was told it was unlikely I would survive and if I did I wouldn't be able to walk or even breathe unassisted. Miraculously, as the weeks went by in Leeds General Infirmary I began to regain small amounts of movement. By the time I left Pinderfields Spinal Rehabilitation Unit 3 months later I was back on my feet and able to walk short distances with crutches.

Spinal Cord Injury recovery happens most quickly in the first 12 months after injury as this is the time when neuroplasticity is highest and the body relearns to send signals in different ways. Having left the hospital I'd have been waiting up to 4 months for NHS physiotherapy and as a result I would have missed most of this very important time for rehabilitation. I was lucky enough to be able to arrange and fund my own intensive physiotherapy during this time and I attribute a huge amount of my successful recovery to this. Not to mention the immeasurable mental wellbeing boost as I had a focus and somewhere to channel my energies into my recovery.

Many people who sustain a spinal cord injury are not able to afford physiotherapy as the injury itself causes huge financial hardships as people cannot work for extended periods of time and adaptations are required for their home and vehicles. It was for this reason I have founded "Walk Again After SCI" which aims to provide physiotherapy for people as soon as they leave hospital.

I'm lucky enough to have a fantastic friend and neighbour Steven Hinchliffe who has volunteered to do a terrifying wing walk in aid of our charity. This will be taking place on 27th September 2024 at Tadcaster Airfield and this is the purpose of this page. 100% of the money received will go directly to funding physiotherapy for spinally injured people. Anyone who has met Steven knows he is an absolute legend with a heart of gold, the saying 'not all heroes wear capes' certainly applies to Steven.

Please give as much as you are able. Full details of our brand new charity can be found at walk-again.co.uk where you can read more about how we plan to operate and also alternative ways to donate. Watch this space after the 27th for photos, videos and other updates on how the day goes!