An Aberdeen businesswoman who broke her back after a horse-riding accident will climb Mt. Kilimanjaro in February to mark the eighth anniversary of the accident.
Gillian Fowler, founder of BackStrong Adventures, was left temporarily paralysed after the fall in 2008, and has endured years of surgery and physiotherapy, as well as having to manage chronic pain. She aims to celebrate her recovery & mark the anniversary at the summit of Africa’s highest mountain in February 2016, alongside her surgeon and physiotherapist.
BackStrong Adventures offers incredible outdoor experiences in the UK and overseas for anyone with an adventurous spirit. Gillian is using her own trauma and years of surgery and rehab to help others, and works closely with clients to increase confidence and achieve amazing feats.
Gillian's orthopaedic spinal surgeon Niall Craig and one of her physiotherapists, Emma Paterson, who also broke her back several years ago, will join Gillian along with Aberdeen ladies Marie-Ann McLeod and Kay Morgan during the incredible challenge, to help raise funds and awareness of spinal conditions.
The team will raise funds for Backcare, the UK’s back and neck pain charity, and BackStrong Trust, a charitable organisation being set up by Gillian to provide better information and support to those living with serious spinal injuries and conditions.
Ms Fowler said: “I am thrilled to be able to even attempt to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro given all that has happened, and adapting life around my limitations and pain. I have gradually built up my walking and climbing abilities, and I am very excited to mark the anniversary on Kilimanjaro with such a special group of people. Having just been climbing in the Atlas Mountains, I am only too aware of the pain I will need to manage and the challenges ahead. Altitude sickness will again be a challenge but I know that as a team we will pull together, support one another, and hopefully all succeed in overcoming the difficulties to reach the summit of this very special adventure.
“The fundraising aspect is important as funds will make such a big difference to help so many people. The BackStrong Trust will provide a much-needed online community and source of information for those suffering spinal trauma and conditions, and those enduring post-surgery recovery. As funds build, monies will also be donated to hospital spinal wards to improve equipment, and community projects.
“Charity Backcare does incredible work in providing information and advice to help people manage back pain, giving sufferers the ability to improve their quality of life. They also help raise funds for scientific research into the causes, prevention and management of back pain.”
Gillian’s adventure takes place from February 19-28 2016. If you would like to support Gillian and her team to raise money for BackStrong Trust and Backcare, visit her fundraising page at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/kili2016