A tragic accident has left a PE-teaching mum paralysed after a weightlifting mishap at the gym. Henrietta Paxton, a 40-year-old mum from Salisbury, Wiltshire, was working out at the gym when a 120kg barbell slipped during a squat exercise, crushing her spine. Despite efforts to readjust the bar, she was left paralysed from the waist down due to a broken and dislocated spine.
After undergoing surgery to stabilise her spine, Henrietta faces a challenging road to recovery. Determined to regain movement in her legs, she is undergoing treatment at the Spinal Treatment Centre in Salisbury. Despite doctors’ warnings that she may never walk again, Henrietta remains hopeful and is focused on regaining strength in her lower body.
Henrietta, a former pole vault athlete, is determined to maintain her passion for sports and is considering taking up wheelchair basketball or rugby. She is grateful for the outpouring of support from friends and family and has launched a JustGiving page to raise funds for home modifications and private rehabilitation.
With a goal of £230,000 to adapt her three-story house and fund further rehab, Henrietta faces significant challenges. Her long-term goal of walking again drives her to push through the difficulties of adjusting to life in a wheelchair. Despite the physical and emotional strain, Henrietta remains resilient and motivated in her recovery journey.
The tragic incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety measures in sports and fitness activities. Henrietta’s story is an inspiration of perseverance and determination in the face of adversity. As she continues her rehabilitation, she hopes to return to work and embrace new opportunities in adaptive sports, showcasing her strength and resilience in overcoming life-changing injuries.