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'Yogathon' to fundraise for Harrogate man after skiing accident

Wednesday, 3 July 2024 09:52

Chris Burford was involved in a skiing accident in January.

A unique 'yogathon' fundraising event is being held this weekend in support of a Harrogate man who suffered an accident whilst skiing.

Father and husband Chris Burford fractured his C5/C6 vertebrae in January, resulting in an incomplete injury to his spinal cord.

Unfortunately this has seen Chris lose the use of his legs, hands and fingers and he only has partial movement in his arms.

But thanks to the support of medical teams at The University Hospital in Innsbruck, he is now stable and working on his physical rehabilitation.

And to support his journey back to health, Chris’ family are hosting a ‘Yogathon’ event at Yorkshire Centre for Wellbeing on Saturday (6th July) from 8am until 8pm.

It will be a full day of Yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, Children’s Yoga and Sound Bath.

Chris’ daughter Joelle said:

“From what we understand about neuroplasticity, there is an initial window for rehabilitation to take place in order to stand the best chance of regaining any lost or damaged movement.

“With the cost of ongoing care for dad currently unknown, we would love to raise some money to pay for dad to take part in a series of the MOTION rehab Intensive Rehabilitation Programmes.”

MOTION rehab is a multi-disciplinary neurological rehabilitation company based in Yorkshire and founded on the principle of neuroplasticity.

They provide hands-on therapy, neurological rehabilitation technology (via robotics and virtual reality) and exercise.

Joelle added:

“If by any chance we exceed our target, all funds will go towards dad's ongoing rehabilitation including; further sessions and programmes with MOTION rehab and any other equipment dad needs - for example a more sophisticated wheelchair to help him live with as much independence as possible.”

The Yogathon will be held at Yorkshire Centre for Wellbeing on Saturday (6th July) from 8am until 8pm.

To support the fundraising campaign and help it reach its £20,000 goal, donate online here.

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