Week 1: I spent 2.5 days in the Clinic near Hull. Most of the first morning was spent setting up the suit as the people at cyclone have to learn this and there were two from ReWalk to teach them. Then it was time for me to get in the suit, I was not quite sure what to expect. It was amazing to be stood tall- very different to the standing frame and when hoisted above the treadmill which I do regularly at home. Most of the day was trying to get a good balance standing which is as not easy as it sounds. I had people around me so I didn’t fall and they could  grab me when and if I lost balance. I finished the day by taking 5 steps. I can honestly say this is one of the biggest challenges ever- I love a challenge! During the morning session on day 2 I was useless, left for lunch feeling very angry with myself so I watched a couple of videos of someone walking in the suit well and returned for the afternoon session. This went much better and made 12 consecutive steps, need to perfect them as I make them look hard work. Day 3 showed further improvements. There is a lot to learn but hopefully it will all click. I enjoy skiing now- when I think back to learning to ski I constantly lost my balance resulting in some fustrating times and some bad language…..I can now ski a black run, I believe the same will happen will happen with the walking.

Back next week for more training!

Cx

http://www.justgiving.com/Claire-Lomas

Tomorrow is the day I will put on that suit and attempt to stand in it and take some steps.

I am training for 3 days this week and will no doubt start thinking my 26.2 mile challenge is crazy!

This time I am not leaving little Moo at home- she is coming

I will post how the walking goes soon!

Cx

I have just returned from another great ski trip. I have always said how supportive my friends have been since my accident which they have. However, one of my best friends (Henry Dove- he was one of my gorgeous bridesboys at my wedding) has shown his true colours!

Henry encouraged me to tackle my first black run and then straight after we did it again. I had one rather dramatic fall second time down after hitting a big bump. I wondered if I would be alive- but was fine so we continued without another tumble! The skiing is a similar feeling to eventing- and the freedom on the mountain is just amazing. I had a great few days skiing with Henry and Helen, and even though Henry is a bad influence on me I very much love my friends! Thanks both

I did miss little Moo though- and was lovely to see her and Dan when I returned yesterday.

Skiing is excellent rehab- my core strengthens each time. Black runs certainly make muscles work that shouldn’t!

Cx

Isn’t life strange!? If someone had told me 5 years ago that just standing up and being able to take steps would be really exciting I wouldn’t have believed them! But believe me- after nearly 5 years of being paralysed it really is very exciting to think I can stand when others are standing instead of looking up all the time- and being able to walk accross the room (or walk 26 miles) . You never know what is around the corner. My accident has changed my life- it is different not necessarily worse. Some aspects are worse- but some are better. It has given me the opportunity to meet new people and try new things.

So we are now in 2012 and this year I have another big challenge- last year it was having little Maisie Moo and this year I have to learn to walk in the ReWalk robotic suit then walk the London Marathon for Spinal Research.

When I applied for a place to walk the Marathon people laughed at me! I must admit I wasn’t sure it was all going to happen in time, but wonderful people in the equestrian world have helped me again to raise the funds to get the suit, also a huge contribution from the Matt Hampson Foundation of £10,000 has made this possible. So now I am only 2.5 weeks away from standing in the suit and trying to find my balance and learn to walk. I am expecting it to be difficult to start with but with practice I hope it becomes easier. The trouble is I don’t have long to get good at it so the pressure is on, I can not afford to be useless!  

So my first training session is on 23rd January and I shall stay there for a few days. I wonder what my thought will be on 26 miles after- I will let you know!

So the reason I am walking 26 miles is to raise money for Spinal Research.  During my time is hospital I saw many people who had had their lives turned upside down - some who are unable to breath without the use of a ventilator. I have been very lucky to have a lot of support from family and friends helping me deal with this catastrophic injury- some don’t have this support.

Spinal cord injuries doesn’t just mean you can’t walk any more- but also effects sensation, bowel and bladder function, circulation, temperature regulation, sexual function, bone density. It is a lot to deal with when you are injured and can lead to depression as well.A spinal injury can happen to anyone at anytime in a split second- a cure must be found! Spinal Research are getting closer to finding a cure and need vital funds- this is why I am walking the London Marathon for them.

 If you would like to sponsor me please visit:

http://www.justgiving.com/Claire-Lomas

I appreciate every penny we can raise for them- so no matter how much you can donate- IT ALL HELPS.

Thanks- I will blog after my walk!

Cx

I have the challenge of walking the london marathon starting on 22nd April for Spinal research! appreciate any donations… I will let you know how training goes.
www.justgiving.com/Claire-Lomas
Hope you had a good Christmas and all the best for 2012.
Maise enjoyed her day- was lovely watching her with new toys!

Thanks
Cx

I have exciting news- my first session in the ReWalk is in January and the training for the London Marathon commences. I have got to get good enough to tackle the 26 miles. I will be the first person in the UK in the robotic suit- how amazing is that!

I am getting closer to being able to get my own suit- I am still selling Jewellery and calendars to raise the last bit needed. Thanks to everyone who has supported me so far with this challenge.

The question is - who will walk first? Me or Maisie?

Once I thought Burghley Horse Trials was the most exciting experience- who would ever thought learning to walk in a robotic suit would be more exciting- but believe me- after 4.5 years sat down it really is. Roll on January!

Cx

http://eventingnation.com/home/2011/10/claire-lomas-part-2.html#comments

Cx

http://eventingnation.com/home/2011/10/claire-lomas-part-1.html#comments

Cx

I have lots to do! It has taken a long time to build me life back up to being as busy as before my accident but at last it is! Maisie keeps me busy, then working 2 half days at Simply Morzine, I keep doing my rehab daily, my jewellery and of course spending time seeing my fab friends/family….oh and building a bungalow (not literally but a lot of decisions!) I will hopefully add learning to be a robot to the list soon!

My life is different- very different to what it was before 6th May 2007.  That day changed everything- sometimes I wonder what I would be doing if Roland hadn’t put me in a tree! You would expect things are a lot worse now but I think so many things are better than they were. The injury is a bugger and can be annoying but so many things are good and there is no time to really think about the spinal injury anyway… too much to be done!

Maisie is bringing so much pleasure except for her high pitched squeals! Unfortunately she takes after me, Dan is quiet but she hasn’t seem to have inherited that gene!

We have our first ski holiday for Maisie booked! She won’t ski this year though- but I can’t wait and I have a new ski called Cecil. I had a lesson last week and he is pretty cool. Working for Simply Morzine means I get a few trips over there and their holidays are brilliant. I love the skiing but also the cosy chalet and yummy food!

www.simply-morzine.co.uk

Wahoo- so much fun to be had! I am doing lots of rehab- bike, treadmill, physio, handbike, floor work- I need to be fit for the Marathon and for skiing!

I have been selling my jewellery from my website and been enjoying getting good feedback. I now want to get it in shops. I have had my first shop order from Millbry Hill in Yorkshire.www.millbryhill.co.uk

Then I visited Gates Nursery which is near Oakham and they also put in an order. Hopefully these 2 shops will find it sells well.