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SIA member walks Welsh three peaks in 24 hours
Amy Moss (37) from Bristol has completed the Welsh Three Peaks Challenge four years after sustaining a life-changing spinal cord injury that has left her with nerve damage, difficulty moving her feet, and lifelong bladder and bowel issues.
In February 2020, Amy was diagnosed with the rare condition, Cauda Equina Syndrome. Little understood and often underdiagnosed, the condition occurs when the nerves in the base of the spine that control the sensation and function of the legs, bladder, bowel, and sexual organs are severely compressed.
After two emergency surgeries to decompress the nerves in her spine and ongoing rehabilitation, Amy was lucky to make a significant recovery, although she still experiences lifelong effects of the condition, including nerve damage in her feet and legs. Many people with Cauda Equina Syndrome will not make such a significant recovery and will end up with some degree of permanent paralysis.
Since her diagnosis, Amy has been determined to complete a challenge to raise funds for Spinal Injuries Association and the specialist spinal units that helped in her recovery. Thanks to a Christmas present from her brother, Amy has completed the Welsh Three Peaks Challenge along with a group of her family and friends on Saturday 19th October. Together, the group scaled the Three Peaks, Snowdon, Cadair Idris, and Pen y Fan within 24 hours, covering a distance of 27.4km and ascending 2334 miles.
Before taking on the challenge, Amy wrote on her JustGiving page,
“One of my main aspirations of this challenge is to complete something that will push me both physically and mentally.
“Whilst I work out nearly daily, have taken part in gym and other physical challenges and recently have even been cleared to start running again, hill walking remains one of my most difficult tasks due to the nerve damage in my left leg… So why not complete three hill walks in a single day?”
She continued, “Equally as important to me, I want to raise awareness of the syndrome as albeit severe, CES is often misunderstood or misdiagnosed, leading to delayed treatment and therefore the potential for devastating outcomes for patients. I received a diagnosis and treatment within 24 hours of the initial onset and unfortunately still have irreparable nerve damage and lifelong bladder and bowel conditions.”
Reflecting on her experience, Amy said,
“The challenge itself was truly amazing. The views and scenery of Snowdon were breathtaking and reaching that summit, the team were in such good spirits.
“It was more mentally and physically challenging than I ever thought it would be. During the two night climbs, the mental challenge of walking in the darkness was really tough.
“On our last climb, and what was meant to be the easiest, we endured winds of 57mph and the start of a storm hitting. I’m sure I speak on behalf of all the team when I say this is a climb we will never forget. I truly had the best team and friends with me. No matter how tough it got, someone was always laughing and bringing morale back up. I couldn’t have asked for a better group to complete this with.
“Finally to all the people that have donated and sent messages of support, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I have been completely overwhelmed by the generosity and we have surpassed the target that we set out to achieve.”
Raise money and awareness for Cauda Equina Syndrome and Spinal Cord Injury by donating to Amy’s JustGiving page:
What is Cauda Equina Syndrome?
Cauda equina syndrome (CES) is the signs and symptoms when the nerves of the cauda equina are compressed.
Found just above the waist and in the area where the spinal cord finished is a group of nerves which are called the cauda equina. These nerves are responsible for the supply of nerves to the bladder, bowels, lower limbs and also supply sensation to the skin around the bottom and back passage.