Paralysed father adds support to fundraiser

A FATHER left paralysed from the neck down after a fall at home in his bathroom is encouraging people to attend a charity event at the centre in Sheffield which helped him recover.
By The Newsroom
Published 3rd Oct 2011, 12:10 BST

Mike Wilkinson said he had been a “fit and active 50-something man” before the accident in December 2009.

He said: “I had many hobbies including running and angling - to say that my accident was one of those life-changing moments would be a bit of an understatement.

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“When you are lying on your back with your wife feeding you Christmas dinner because you can’t move anything below your neck you do begin to wonder if there will be any way back to any thing approaching a normal life.””

Mr Wilkinson is now encouraging people to attend a charity day at the Princess Royal Spinal Injuries Centre, which is based at Sheffield’s Northern General Hospital.

He said: “The credit goes to all the staff that nursed, helped and encouraged patients like me to get up and get on with life.

“It is now 18 months since my accident and I have been lucky to regain the ability to walk unaided and I have usable hand function in both hands.”

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The fundraiser will take place on Sunday, October 9 at the centre and will include attractions such as live music, stalls, children’s face painting, games, refreshments and a raffle.

Leanne Boulding, a staff nurse at the unit, said: “We are an excellent unit with excellent standards, one of only 12 centres in the UK and Ireland, but are always looking at ways to improve care.”

“Any money raised will go towards providing patients with items that would add extra dimensions to patient care, such as computers, sports equipment, musical instruments, and arts and craft equipment.”

To donate to the cause, visit the charity website at www.sheffieldhospitalscharity.org.uk

Related topics:SheffieldIreland