A young woman, Becca Reed, aged 25, had a near-death experience while holidaying in Turkey when she “partially decapitated” herself by diving into a pool and breaking her neck. Despite the severity of her injuries, Becca considers herself fortunate to be alive. Becca, a London-based PR professional, had travelled to Turkey with a friend to celebrate her 23rd birthday back in May 2022. During a game of volleyball in the pool, she attempted to dive for the ball, only to hit her head on the concrete pool base.
Initially, Becca thought she had only suffered whiplash, managing the pain with painkillers. It was not until several days later, upon returning home and seeking medical assistance, that she discovered she had crushed the C5 and C6 vertebrae in her neck. This led to multiple surgeries and years of intense physical and mental rehabilitation. Fortunately, her strong back and shoulder muscles were credited by doctors as the saving grace that prevented a fatal outcome.
Despite never having run 5km prior to the accident, Becca is now gearing up for the TCS London Marathon to raise funds for Spinal Research charity. The intensive physiotherapy and dedication to fitness prior to the incident are what doctors believe saved her from more dire consequences following the accident. Becca’s active lifestyle, which included weightlifting, boxing, and skipping, proved to be crucial in her recovery process.
Becca underwent two surgeries to address the severe damage to her neck, with doctors highlighting that the severity of her injury was one of the worst seen in London at the time. The procedures involved replacing shattered vertebrae with metal structures and stabilising her neck with rods and screws. The post-surgery recovery phase was excruciating, with Becca enduring intense pain due to the necessary muscle cuts during the surgeries.
Recovery for Becca involved re-learning basic tasks such as turning over in bed, standing from a lying position, and even applying moisturiser to her face. The journey was described as arduous and mentally taxing. However, with the unwavering support of her loved ones and organisations like Spinal Research, Becca gradually rebuilt her strength and resilience.
After six months, Becca was able to resume weightlifting and eventually discovered a newfound passion for running. This newfound love for movement and physical activity not only brought her a sense of peace and confidence but also paved the way for participation in the TCS London Marathon. Becca’s marathon run aims to raise awareness of spinal cord injuries and the importance of physical fitness in aiding recovery and survival.
In light of her experience, Becca advocates for individuals to prioritise their physical well-being and engage in regular exercise. She believes that investing in one’s health and fitness can potentially be life-saving, as in her case. Through her fundraising efforts for Spinal Research, she hopes to inspire others to take charge of their health and well-being before it’s too late. Becca’s journey from a life-threatening accident to marathon running serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of physical activity.