By timesecholife on in All News, Featured News
A FAMILY are walking 11 kilometres to raise awareness of spinal cord injuries after one of their children made an inspirational recovery from a potentially life-changing back fracture. On August 8, 2018, Eleanor Bloor from Hollington suffered a severe spinal cord injury and a “T12 burst fracture.” The next day, the Abbotsholme School student was sent for emergency surgery at the University Hospitals of North Midlands (UHNM) before being transferred to The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital (RJAH) in Oswestry with Eleanor only able to wiggle her toes.
There, the 11-year-old had six weeks of strict bed rest to allow her the best chance of recovery.
Mum Janine Bloor told the Times and Echo: “Determination and perseverance from Eleanor, her parents, little sister, an army of friends, family, the farming fraternity and the dogs combined with the clinical excellence received by the teams of doctors and nurses at both UHNM and RJAH turned the tide of fate.
“By mid-October, Eleanor was back at Abbotsholme School part-time on crutches.
“12 months on and Eleanor has re-learnt to walk and worked incredibly hard to regain almost full power in her legs.
“For Eleanor, a keen horse rider, her greatest frustration yet key motivator has been to get back in the saddle and ride Clover.
“This summer Eleanor has been building up to this goal on a mechanical horse and has just been given the amazing news that she can now ride Clover again.”
In commemoration of the work done by the NHS and in aid of raising awareness for spinal cord injuries, Eleanor’s family and friends are embarking on a three-and-a-half hour walk on Sunday, September 15 from Abbotsholme School to Overton Farm in Hollington via JCB lakes and Croxden Abbey.
Funds from the JA Bloor Family Walk will go to the Alice Ward department at the RJAH – the area of the hospital where Eleanor was treated in.
Janine added: “Eleanor and her sister have their sights set on swings for wheelchair users and virtual reality goggles to distract little minds when faced with daunting trips down to theatre or x rays – great fun ideas for the children.”
“As a family, this walk is to celebrate walking and ‘Determination Delivers’.”
Those who wish to take part in the walk, which starts at 10.30am, are asked to go to www.regevent.co.uk and join the ‘JA Bloor Family Walk’ event, where further information and contact details can be found.
Online registration is £12 for adults and £3 for children with hot dogs, drinks and medals for the children encompassed within this.
There is also an option to purchase a T-Shirt for on-the-day collection too.
Walkers are invited to take a picnic with dogs also welcome, with a return trip to the school also provided.
People who would like to donate to the cause can visit www.justgiving.com and search the ‘JABloorFamilyWalk’ campaign. The family have so far raised more than £1,400 online.
For extra details on the walk, email info@overtonfarm.co.uk.
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