SOPHIE WILSON
Sophie first linked up with the Foundation after a diving accident while travelling in Thailand and became such a part of the community at the Get Busy Living Centre that she joined the team full-time to help others on a similar journey.
After her accident, she initially lost all movement from her neck down and spent six months receiving treatment in hospital. As the weeks went by, Sophie began to regain some movement but was struggling to understand the full impact of her injuries, how to cope mentally and fearful for a new future she hadn’t planned.
She joined the Foundation community and credits Hambo with teaching her how to live again.
“For a long time I was an in-patient in hospital and I wasn’t able to experience life. When I met Matt, I began to understand what it was about,” she says.
“He showed me that you can do incredible things after a life-changing injury and he encourages everyone at the Centre to get busy living and appreciate everything we can.
“Being part of the community at the Centre is something you can never imagine having to do, but once you are part of it, you wouldn’t change it for the world.”
Sophie began physiotherapy and training sessions at the Centre and regained movement in almost all her body, even taking her first tentative steps on crutches.
From that introduction as a beneficiary, Sophie joined the team as head of peer support and then head of operations.
“I’m so grateful that I’ve had the mental strength to accept my disability and I have many hopes and plans for my future,” she says.
“The Foundation supports you to become comfortable with your disability and encourages you to break out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself. They use shared experiences and knowledge to make you feel like you’re not alone. They support us and support our future.”
“Being part of the community at the Centre is something you can never imagine having to do, but once you are a part of it, you wouldn’t change it for the world”
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Help Matt reach his goal by adding to his fundraising here:
Sponsorship opportunities to attach a brand to his marathon challenge are also available. Email fundraising@hambo.co.uk for details.