We’re rallying together to support Charlotte on her journey to recovery.
Let’s delve into Charlotte’s story a bit further: For the past 18+ months, Charlotte has been a valued client of Tracey’s. In May 2022, she underwent a revision spinal fusion surgery. Unfortunately, during the surgery, an unfortunate error occurred, leading to a spinal cord injury. The devastating outcome was the loss of sensation and function below her waist. At just 37 years old, Charlotte was delivered the heart-wrenching news that she may never walk again. To make matters even more challenging, her legal team informed her that compensation was unlikely.
Faced with this life-altering situation, Charlotte embarked on a journey of private specialist rehabilitation. However, the road to recovery is a long and costly one, necessitating specialized equipment and extensive rehabilitation.
“On May 31st, 2022, during lumbar fusion surgery, a surgical error led to a spinal cord injury and cerebrospinal fluid leak. I woke up with no function or sensation below my waist. A surgeon I’d never met before casually informed me that I’d never walk again. I was discharged without referrals, assistance, or appropriate aids. My life had been irreversibly transformed, and I felt utterly isolated. I was told that the nearest NHS neurorehabilitation center was in Sheffield and that I’d have to wait at least 10 months for treatment. My only option for recovery was private neurorehabilitation. Shockingly, those responsible for my surgery bore no responsibility for my rehabilitation, and with no suitable rehabilitation services available in Lincolnshire, I turned to Flex Health in Hull. Unfortunately, without funding or access to appropriate NHS neurorehabilitation, it’s becoming increasingly likely that I will have to discontinue my rehabilitation due to the financial burden. The potential consequences for my recovery are devastating.” – Charlotte
However, amidst these challenges, there’s a ray of hope and a remarkable show of solidarity. We’re thrilled to congratulate our Founder, Tracey Gjertsen, for her unwavering dedication to Charlotte’s cause. Tracey has taken on a series of demanding challenges to raise funds for Charlotte’s ongoing recovery:
Challenges Completed:
✔️ 103-mile Ride London
✔️ 106-mile Castle to Coast to Castle Bike Ride (an arduous journey through hilly and windy terrain)
✔️ 5k Traversée Du Lac Annecy
✔️ Full Distance Aquabike in Podesford, Austria
Charlotte continues her rehabilitation journey with Flex Health in Hull, and encouragingly, she’s been making steady progress. Her routine now includes regular gym sessions and following a tailored rehabilitation plan from Flex, resulting in increased strength day by day.
Recent tests have shown some minor improvements, but regrettably, the pivotal nerve remains elusive in its response.
In the near future, Charlotte will receive new leg braces, allowing her to engage in weight-bearing exercises and practice walking. However, this development comes with its own set of challenges, particularly for her knees and hips. In fact, Charlotte has already undergone multiple knee surgeries since the injury to address the strain caused by her efforts to rehabilitate her back.
Despite the medical consensus that she may never regain the ability to walk unaided, Charlotte refuses to give up and draws strength from the unwavering support she’s received from The Body Motion Company community throughout this journey.
We invite you to join us in supporting Tracey and Charlotte. Every contribution can make a tremendous difference in Charlotte’s journey to recovery. Click the link below to offer your support, and we extend our sincerest thanks to those who have already rallied behind our cause.
