Dear all
 
I have chosen to abseil down the ArcelorMittal Orbit in London to raise money for Stoke Mandeville Spinal Research. 
 
In July 2001, my dad was knocked off his motorbike by an oncoming car as he left my grandparents’ house. He was rushed to hospital where it was soon discovered he had damaged his spinal cord at T6 and T7, broken his ankle and left tibia. I was four at the time. My dad spent 11 months in hospital, 2 weeks at North Middlesex and the remainder at Stoke Mandeville and missed my 5th birthday.
 
Stoke Mandeville is an internationally renowned National Spinal Injuries Centre. The Spinal Unit cared, rehabilitated and prepared my dad for his new way of living.
 
My dad was discharged from Stoke Mandeville and we embarked on our new normal. My dad is my biggest inspiration and the reason why I am doing this challenge as being able to walk is something most of us take for granted.  I have chosen to support Stoke Mandeville Spinal Research as being unable to walk is just the tip of the iceberg and this charity funds vital research to address the complications of spinal cord injury.  Their mission is for people with spinal cord injury to have the best quality of life possible so the research they fund tackles issues like pressure ulcers, neuropathic pain, urinary tract infections and problems with upper limb function.  I really hope my challenge pays tribute to my dad, and supports Stoke Mandeville Spinal Research so that will we can help other people with spinal injuries in the future.  
 
So please, if you can sponsor my crazy descent from the sky which takes place on 14th May 2023, I would really appreciate it. Thank you for your support and helping me spread awareness about spinal cord injuries

Zarenna Porter