Imagine being told you’ll never walk again. Well, that’s exactly what happened to Sarah just months ago.
When Sarah and her mum Jan arrived at Calvert Exmoor to take part in a Big Give Christmas Challenge walk, it was more than just a stroll around the reservoir, it was a powerful testament to resilience, determination, and hope.
Sarah’s incredible resilience started with an MS diagnostic in 2000. She has navigated life with grace, juggling work and raising her two young sons, all while managing a condition that can often feel insurmountable. Her unyielding motivation is nothing short of inspiring.
Their connection to us runs deep. Jan is a member of the Ilfracombe Rotary Club, long-time supporters of Calvert Exmoor. Together with the Rotary Club, Jan and Sarah visited us in October 2024, where they learned about the Big Give Christmas Challenge. Inspired by the initiative, Sarah decided to take part and raise funds by completing a lap of the reservoir.
But this wasn’t any ordinary lap. Just 11 months ago, Sarah was told she would never walk again. Following a minor operation, an infection left her paralysed from the neck down, and after four months in hospital, medical professionals were convinced her walking days were over. Yet Sarah refused to accept this prognosis.
Once home, she set her sights on walking again, relying not on extensive therapy but on sheer self-belief and determination. Despite having just three physiotherapy sessions, she steadily regained strength and mobility through relentless effort.
Sarah told us:
“My recovery started with pilates. Having my body moved around so much must have shocked it back into life as my ability to move myself soon developed. I also did a lot of swimming, which was wonderful as it’s a sport I had excelled in when younger, despite unknowingly having MS.
We then visited Calvert Exmoor in October with the Ilfracombe Rotary Club and were inspired by the charity’s work providing accessible outdoor activities for individuals with disabilities. We saw their campaign to raise money for the horses and wanted to help”.
On Friday, 6th December, Sarah and Jan, joined by a couple of friends, returned to Calvert Exmoor for their big moment. Step by step, they walked their lap of the reservoir, pausing afterwards to enjoy a well-earned cup of tea and share the fantastic news that they had raised an incredible £665 for the Big Give Christmas Challenge appeal.
Sarah’s story is a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit. We are so proud of her and Jan for their support and determination. Together, they’ve made a difference not only for themselves but also for Calvert Exmoor and the people we serve.
A big well done and thank you to Sarah, Jan, and everyone involved.
