Two years after breaking his neck in a rugby match, Peter Evans crossed the finish line of his first marathon in Berlin last weekend.
Peter, from Bromley in Greater London was playing for the Dartfordians Rugby Club on October 17, 2024, when a high impact tackle left the father-of-two with a broken neck.
“I remember picking the ball up and running headfirst into a tackle and the next thing I’m lying on the ground not able to feel my hands or legs. I knew something was badly wrong and it was such a scary moment.”
The former teacher, who is now pursuing a career as a landscape gardener, was rushed to hospital with serious spinal cord injuries.
Thankfully Peter gradually recovered full movement of his arms and legs. But he suffers permanent pins and needles down his left side and will need further surgery to have metal plates inserted to stabilise his spine.
“I’ve played rugby since I was a boy and although I’ve had a few injuries and breaks this was such a frightening wake-up call,” added Peter, 49.
“I know I’m one of the lucky ones and I really wanted to take on this marathon challenge for all those who have not been so lucky.
“It was really hard but also very emotional at the end and I’m just so grateful that I’m able to walk and run. This is for all those who can’t.”
Every two hours someone in the UK is paralysed after a spinal cord injury. Globally, an estimated 15.4 million people are living with paralysis. It can happen to anyone at any time, changing lives instantly.
Spinal Research is the UK’s leading charity funding research to develop life changing treatments for spinal cord injuries and ultimately a cure for paralysis.
Suzanne Redding, Head of Audience and Communications, said: “After decades of funding the best research and researchers we are now at a point where breakthrough therapies are coming through; where the impossible is becoming possible.
“What we urgently need is the funds to get these treatments to paralysed people who need them. Which is why every pound raised matters so much and why we are so grateful to Peter and all our Berlin Marathon #TeamSpinal runners.”
To support Peter go to his fundraising page: www.justgiving.com/page/peter-evans-3
