Relief and elation (From Stroud News and Journal)

Relief and elation

TAKING part in a marathon is a major achievement for anyone.

But Simon Turner finished the gruelling 26.2 mile course after clawing his way back from a back injury which left him thinking he might never walk again. Simon from Westrip suffered such severe back injuries five years ago he was left temporarily paralysed.

His accident was a sheer fluke. He was out walking when he fell on black ice while visiting his parents in Lincolnshire.

He was airlifted to the spinal unit at Nottingham Hospital where it was discovered he had a smashed vertebra in his lower back.

The hospital had 600 admissions that day from people who had also fallen and injured themselves due to the extreme weather conditions.

For a while Simon wasn't sure if he would ever walk again.

He went through a four and a half hour operation and supporting metal was inserted into his back.

"The days that followed were some of the worst of my life but I somehow got it into my head that I was going to walk again.

"I don't know where it came from but I had a single-minded determination to get back on my feet," said Simon.

Months of physiotherapy and another operation followed but Simon, 28, did walk again and felt compelled to close the traumatic episode in his life with a positive goal.

His inspiration to take part in the 2002 Flora London Marathon came from America's Wilma Rudolph who despite contracting polio as a child went on to win three gold Olypmic medals.

Simon whose mother sufferes from Multiple Sclerosis decided to run the marathon and raise money for the charity.

He put himself through a gruelling training programme but on Sunday, April 14 he finished the race in 4 hours, 43 minutes and 28 seconds with his family and friends cheering him on.

"I touched the finishing line punching the air and then looked around for my mum. "We both just collapsed in tears," said Simon.

"I think it was a mixture of relief and elation."

But what started out as a goal to close a chapter in Simon's life has now opened up a new lease of life for him.

"I enjoyed doing the marathon so much I think I will keep training and run some more," he said.

"My aim now is to take part in the Stroud Half Marathon and I think there is every chance I will be running in the London Marathon again next year."