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Hi! My name is Lianne. I am 29 years old and have been living with a spinal injury since a car accident in 2001. I am a tetraplegic which means I'm paralysed in all four of my limbs due to a high lesion to my spinal cord at the C5/6 vertebrae. In the early stages of my recovery, I was unable to move or feel any sensation below shoulder level. Seven years on, I have gained functional movement and some altered sensation in my upper limbs and trunk, although my lower body remains the same. I rely on a wheelchair and 24-hour personal assistance to live my life. I try to do as much as I can for myself because for me, it is the little things that bring satisfaction. Anything that promotes greater independence gives me a sense of control over my life, like feeding myself, applying my makeup and brushing my teeth. Being able to use a computer and access the internet allows me the freedom to learn new skills, communicate with people, manage my finances and my life! The internet is a window to the world outside my lovely home, which is where I spend a lot of my time. It provides one means of attaining some independence and privacy in my own life.

For a long time, I couldn't see the worth of a life where I could do nothing for myself, nor did I want to suffer it. My family and friends continue to be pillars of support, but there was a time when my situation seemed hopeless. My family and I didn't know where to turn, but always had the belief that I wasn't destined to sit and vegetate in a chair. I don't call it false hope or looking for a miracle because I have accepted my disability and understand it's permanency. What I am constantly striving to maintain is my positive outlook. I am learning how to live with my disability, improve my self-image and develop skills to be more independent.

Starting physiotherapy was a significant turning point for me. I will always need 24-hour assistance, but small tasks are now possible as my strength and motor function have greatly improved and these are enough to give me a sense of purpose. Going to the physiotherapy practice has given me the chance to make friends with people in similar situations, share experiences and offer mutual support. The exercise itself continues to have psychological benefits which are equally as important as the physical ones. I feel increasingly more confident with my body. I no longer feel frustrated and defeated because I'm doing something positive towards rebuilding my life. My physiotherapists always instill hope by having faith that I will continue to improve with hard work and have helped me realise that my disability doesn't have to ruin my life. My support goes out to anyone reading this who is also living with a spinal cord injury. Thanks for your interest in my website and to Peter Brookes who very kindly taught me all the skills I needed to create it. Please keep reading or leave a message in my Visitor's Book, as I'd love to hear your comments.

I want to say a big thank you to Carl Miles. On Saturday May 24th, he took part in the longest ultra-marathon that Britain has to offer - the Grand Union Canal Run. Starting from Gas Street Basin in Birmingham and ending in Little Venice in London, runners had 45 hours to complete the 145 mile non-stop race. He says, 'I was crewed by my parents who met me at points enroute to feed me, give me fresh clothes, encouragement and to remind me to never give up! This was my first serious long run, with only a handful of marathons under my belt and I wanted to make it even more special by raising some cash for a special friend of our family. Lianne, you are an inspiration to me, and your energy and positivity will help me through this race. One kind friend pledged a pound per mile - what an incentive! Thanks to everyone who sent pledges of sponsorship or messages of support during the run.' Carl did amazingly well in the race and I am touched by his effort and determination. He is also an inspiration by the way he has dedicated his time to such an arduous event in aid of raising money for my trust fund. What a great personal achievement, too. I would also like to thank Mark - a friend of my friend Karen, who runs 'Learn to Surf Weekends' every year in Australia with his fellow surfers. All the proceeds go to a charity or an individual, like myself, and I was extremely touched to be chosen on this occasion. Thanks to my friend Karen, Mark was extremely understanding of my cause. Also, the incidence of surfing accidents resulting in spinal cord injuries is quite common and is therefore a cause that feels close to home. It is a fantastic event which is run by a dedicated group of people and gives people with a range of disabilities the chance to experience the surf. Thanks very much to everyone for their support. Check out the website @ www.morningchubb.com.au

Everyday I am reminded of how precious life is, but now more than ever following the death of my friend. Ali Johnson (see bottom right corner) was a former Tynedale rugby player who broke his neck in a collapsed rugby scrum in 2004. He was one of the nicest guys you could ever hope to meet and had so much hope and determination. He was loved by so many people in the community and his untimely death was a devastating blow, especially after all he had been through and achieved. I will miss seeing him at physio every week and my thoughts are with his family. Rest in peace Ali.

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