Determined to regain strength

Keen cyclist Anna Colvin was a single mum with three children when she suffered a stroke aged just 53.
Anna Colvin, stroke victim with Michael Lee of Mi. To TherapyAnna Colvin, stroke victim with Michael Lee of Mi. To Therapy
Anna Colvin, stroke victim with Michael Lee of Mi. To Therapy

The stroke was so severe that she lost the use of the entire left side of her body and was barely able to crawl to the end of her bedroom.

Hospitalised for weeks, Anna lost all her muscles and was left frustrated, unable to carry out everyday tasks, let alone enjoy her regular bike rides, walks and swims.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

And, when she cracked a vertebrae after falling down the stairs at home, Anna decided it was time to take action and visited Michael Lee, a specialist physiotherapist at Mi.To Therapy, in Sheffield.

“Just before my stroke I was juggling three jobs and looking after my three children which was a challenge for me as a single mum,” explains Anna.

“It was a stressful time but I had always been a physically active person so it was a major shock for the whole family when I suffered the stroke.

“Not being able to get in and out of bed, walk or carry out simple tasks without help was extremely frustrating.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“My whole life had changed in the space of a week and I felt helpless to do anything about it.” Determined Anna was desperate to get back on her bike and she knew she had to build her confidence and muscle strength.

“When I fell down the stairs it was the final straw. I knew I had to start taking my rehabilitation more seriously and focus on getting back on my bike.”

Inspired by Sheffield stroke patient, Kate Allatt, who had Locked-in Syndrome, Anna started weekly physio at Mi.To Therapy, based at Virgin Active, Millhouses in August last year.

“I’d seen what amazing progress Kate had made through regular sessions at Mi.To Therapy. She was rehabilitated from being wheelchair-bound to running independently in just 18 months and I wanted the same results.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Michael Lee, who is also a consultant to Leicester City FC and has previously worked with Sheffield United and the Sheffield Steelers, said: “It’s been a pleasure to work with Anna. Her sheer determination to be mobile has fuelled the energy for her treatment and rehabilitation.

“She works incredibly hard and the results are a testament to her success. Just like Kate Allatt, she is a magnificent role model to show that when the mind is strong, the body will also follow. Now that we have surpassed her expectations, she can run independently with great stability and strength. I cannot praise her enough for all the hard work she has put it.”

Anna said: “The progress I’ve made over the last seven months is incredible. I’m now able to walk a mile and a half and my next target is to start riding a bike again.”

www.mi-to.co.uk.

Related topics: