REAL LIFE - REACH & RECOVER #2: FINDING YOUR COURAGE

For the latest edition in our 'Real Life - Reach & Recover' Blog Series. Triumph Over Injury champions Angela Mc Shane chats about courage and how she got the through the difficulties in the early days.

''Our courage lies in facing our fears and standing tall in the face of adversity...''

When I first arrived at Hampden Sports Injury Clinic I was told I would not be able to walk again. I was scared to believe that this would be a reality to me. Despite this, I did know back then I was determined I would walk again, I did not care how long it would take. I would learn to walk again.

I had to face my fear despite what I was told, despite how I was feeling and how scared I felt. I had to draw on all the courage I had within me.

I did not know back then that such courage existed but I had fire and determination to get every part of my body strong again and so I focused to walk again like I once did.

I knew my rehabilitation sessions would be tough and seriously intense. I had been lying in a hospital bed for a full year. Now I was about to re-learn all the basics again.

My body was badly injured, I was overcoming 16 separate life-changing injuries as well as learning how to walk with a false limb. The odds we seriously stacked against me. I could see the injuries on my body were serious but my fear of staying the same turned into my courage for better.

Before attending my appointments, I made a promise to myself I would go into this experience giving my training 200%. No matter how tough or how sore, I would not stop until I could learn all the basics and walk again.

When I first walked into Hampden I was given a warm welcome by Evelynn. On the first day of treatment, I was instantly made at ease and knew I was in good hands. My first appointment was all about my goals - what I wanted to achieve, what did I enjoy before and what I would like to do again. Along with this, we created a detailed plan of how to get me strong again. I felt part of the solution and there was a way I could improve my physical health. I couldn’t wait to get started.

I did make one request to the physiotherapist during my appointment. I didn’t want the easy option with my physio training. I wanted to go further and be pushed every step of the way. I knew I had a tough road ahead of me. I knew in my heart it wasn’t going to be easy. But I wanted to make a difference. I wanted to work hard and get the results.

My first few years at HSC was tough. At one point I was at HSC twice a day and trained for 2-3 hours both sessions. It became my second home. I was there in the morning and evening. I wanted to give it my all. I wanted my body to get strong again. I wanted out of the wheelchair, off the sticks and the crutches and just walk a few steps on my own.

That was all I wanted - to take a few steps...

There were days during my rehab that nothing moved - not my arms, not my legs. Only my will to do so. I was sore and tired but I was determined.

There were days I would get to the clinic and I was so sore with the pain that I would sit in the changing rooms and try to muster up the courage to get up, embrace the discomfort and go for it. And I did. My sessions went slowly but I was there and I completed the arduous workout.

There were days when a team member at HSC would give me a pep-talk and motivate me to keep going and look how far you have come.

So I did. I got going day by day, week by week and month by month before it happened. I was getting stronger. Yes, there were small changes but it was happening.

For me to have a team like HSC behind me, cheering me on to progress and go for my dreams was everything. They are like this with everyone they support at the clinic, which makes me love them even more.

This experience of support and teamwork led me to want to help others who were facing similar paths of recovery with injuries and to share tools to raise confidence. So, this leads to creating The Reinvention with my husband, Christopher. We created a Community Interest Company to offer support for other individuals and families who have experienced a similar journey and to inspire our next generation with the life skills to succeed. Something no-one has to do alone.

Looking back my courage was ignited by the fight that I had to get stronger again. Courage comes in different forms. Doing something you have never done before takes courage and we all have it within us.

My top tip on the road to recovery is to find a place where you can train, stay motivated and reach out for support as and when you need it. For me, Hampden Sports Injury Clinic was and still is, the place for me. I hope you can check out HSC or find a clinic that cares about your recovery every step of the way.

I would love to hear your tales of finding courage in adversity. #triumphoverinjury Love Angela x

Angela McShane,

Founder & Director of The Reinvention