A south Wales resident is progressing toward reclaiming her autonomy following paralysis, aided by expert physical rehabilitation – however financial support is depleting rapidly.
Helen Fincham, who lives in Bridgend, became unable to move from her chest downwards when she was just 21 years old after developing Transverse Myelitis, a disorder that appeared unexpectedly and without any clear cause.
Currently, she encounters a significant challenge. Her rehabilitation programme, which enabled her to perform assisted movements between positions, faces imminent termination. The treatment has substantially enhanced her capabilities, permitting her to shift locations with some support – a marked improvement from her previous complete inability to reposition herself. Despite this progress, the financial resources supporting her therapy are set to cease precisely when she stands on the verge of achieving self-sufficient mobility transfers, a milestone that would enable her to operate a vehicle, journey independently, and move beyond her wheelchair for the first time in ten years.
Several months prior, while travelling away from her residence, Ms Fincham tumbled from a portable lifting device and found herself stranded on the ground until passersby intervened. The incident proved emotionally overwhelming, yet strengthened her resolve to increase her self-reliance.
She has been collaborating with specialized spinal cord injury rehabilitation therapists to master safe transfer techniques, with the ultimate aim of performing them independently. This seemingly minor skill holds transformative potential for her existence.
It would permit her to acquire personal transportation and resume driving, visit companions without requiring a caregiver, and occupy standard seating in entertainment venues rather than remaining in her wheelchair. Furthermore, she could recline on outdoor furniture during vacations, a simple pleasure denied to her for a decade.
Ms Fincham is now requesting public support to maintain her rehabilitation regimen. At publication, contributions totalling £3,373 had been collected toward a £4,000 goal, supported by 60 benefactors in under a month.
She stated that every contribution, regardless of size, would be directed toward specialized spinal cord injury rehabilitation to assist her ongoing pursuit of independence, self-assurance, and liberty.
Contributions can be submitted through her GoFundMe page: https://www.gofundme.com/f/specialist-physio-after-falling-out-of-a-hoist