Paul Donaldson

The CatWalk Trust's commitment to getting people up and out of wheelchairs is made easier by Taupo's Paul Donaldson who proved it is possible.

Paul was confined to a wheelchair aged 23 when he broke his back in a fall in 2003, but has battled adversity and science to walk again.

Following the accident, Paul had steel rods inserted to ease the pressure on his spine and stabilise his back, but was told he was a paraplegic and would be confined to a wheelchair forever.

Paul, with support from mum Sandy Hay (a fitness instructor), was determined to walk again.

Following a meeting with CatWalk Trust's Catriona Williams; Paul and Sandy started on an intense rehabilitation programme.

"We were really clueless about where to even start with an exercise regime until we met Catriona, and she really pointed us in the right direction and was a real inspiration too" says Paul.

With a focus on strength and mobility training of the whole body through the use of free weights and machines, combined with massage and muscle balancing, Paul began making his first steps towards recovery.

"There has been a lot of support from all areas, and I couldn't have done it without my mum's help, and my girlfriend Julia has been amazing too" Paul says.

Nearly three years on, Paul can now walk with a walking frame, and is aiming to walk unaided in the near future and perhaps on his wedding day which is planned for 2008. We'll keep you posted.

For more information about spinal cord injury rehabilitation please contact Sandy Hay