Hi it's Amy here Grace's mum.

 

On 1 May 2021 Grace fell from her horse. She sustained a fracture of her thoracic spine and a spinal cord lesion plus many other internal injuries, including broken ribs. Grace was admitted to Birmingham Children's Hospital intensive care unit with no movement in her left leg, extreme pain and the need to lie completely flat to try and avoid further damage and paralysis as she had bony fragments in her spinal canal.

Unfortunately on 2 May Grace's condition deteriorated and she started to lose power and sensation in her right leg. The decision was taken to operate immediately. 25 medical staff worked on Grace through the night for 10 hours. We were told that Grace would most probably be paralysed in both lower limbs.

At 7:30am on 3 May we received a phone call to say that Grace had survived surgery, they were unsure of the outcome, everything had gone as well as could be expected and she had a long road ahead. Grace woke up and her determination immediately shone through. Her ability to cope with the pain and discomfort and the significant life event that she had suffered amazed us, and still does everyday "Don't cry Mum I will be fine, I could be a Paralympian" . Things were tough but her ability to make us laugh still shone through.

Grace was in intensive care until 12 May when she moved to the neurosurgical ward. Grace's right leg regained full power although she had altered sensation in it. She demanded her catheter be taken out and her bladder started to work normally. She continued to have no power in her left leg and if one more person asked her to see if she could "wiggle her toes" I think I might have screamed let alone Grace.

 

On 27 May Matt (her Dad) jokingly said "come on then Grace wiggle your toes"...."yeah yeah Dad very funny I can't" …"but Grace you are wiggling them" replied Matt ….Grace had wiggled her toes on her left foot for the first time and that was it there was no stopping her then.

 

On 2 June she sat out of bed for the first time, on 3 June she sat in a wheelchair and on 4 June she had a shower!

 

On 8 June she went outside for the first time since 1 May, she sat in a less supportive wheelchair and she stood up to transfer.

On 9 June she stood and took a few steps with support.

Grace's determination has powered her through and she progressed everyday until she was able to come home for a much needed visit to see family and friends.

Grace was now walking short distances on crutches with the support of a brace around her middle and a splint supporting her ankle and foot. Next stop National Spinal Injuries Centre - Stoke Mandeville.

Grace started her rehabilitation at Stoke Mandeville on 21 June, ironically it is the home of the Paralympics.

 

 

Grace is working really hard and remains so determined to walk, albeit she currently moves faster in her wheelchair which causes her huge frustration. However she does now have a PINK wheelchair (note the mismatched shoes as she has borrowed one of mine so that her splint will fit in) and I am very pleased to report that her ability to score in basketball even in a wheelchair remains top drawer!

 

 

 

 

We all wish the accident had never happened but we can't turn back time and presently there are no magic wands!

 

Grace has made a remarkable recovery so far but we don't want her recovery to end. We want Grace to be able to live the life she wants and be able to do and access all of the exciting things she has planned for her future without difficulty.

 

Grace will need to adapt and come to terms with her injury, her environment and home may need to be adapted and she will require ongoing physiotherapy and the provision of equipment to enable her to fulfill her potential.

 

If you are able to support Grace in reaching her potential, fulfilling her dreams and championing her 'never give up' attitude then please donate what you can.

 

Every penny will be appreciated and your kindness valued.

 

Leaving Grace at the hospital I always say "Bye see you tomorrow, don't go running off now"......one day after lots and lots of physiotherapy (donations please) I would love her to run after me again!