Hayley does 10k in Wheelchair

Hi my names Hayley Bray, I suddenly became completely paralysed in June 2019. I had to re learn to breathe, speak, eat, brush my hair & teeth etc things I thought I’d never had to learn again. I’m still hopeful that I can learn to walk again too. 

I have been trying to get a standing frame through my local council & social services but nobody wants to know. So I’m pleading for your help! A standing frame would train me to stand better, which could help my recovery! If I had a standing frame I would stand everyday & I can’t express how grateful I would be. When you have a spinal injury you are supposed to stand everyday, my paralysis has led me to this as I’m currently paralysed from the chest down . Sitting for several hours a day is unhealthy for able-bodied individuals. Imagine how unhealthy it is for people in wheelchairs to be seated for 12 hours a day.

Several health problems result from prolonged sitting: Pressure sores, poor blood circulation, internal cavities tighten up which makes it so bladder/bowels do not work as well and breathing is more difficult, hamstrings get tight, muscle contractures, and so on.

When the human body is seated, gravity is its enemy because it hinders the body’s functions. When the human body is standing, gravity is its friend because it helps the body function better.

Able-bodied people are told to not sit for prolonged periods of time because it can cause health issues, since the human body is made to walk and stand, not to sit.

Life after a spinal cord injury (SCI) has many secondary complications, such as pressure sores, UTI’s (urinary tract infections), and osteoporosis, that can make life even more challenging and frustrating. Standing after an SCI helps prevent secondary complications from getting worse and might even eliminate secondary complications if done properly.

Standing increases bone density, skin healing, circulation, respiratory function, bowel function, bladder management, prevents tight muscles, mental well-being and higher quality of life. 

A standing frame that I can use independently can range from £4000 to £10000. 

I want to challenge myself to do 10k in my wheelchair! This will be SO tough for me, but I’m not letting my disability define me! Before becoming paralysed, I was an active young girl & I still want to be her! 

Please help me stand again. 

Hayley 
xxx