Back in May of this year, Toby Richardson's world was turned upside down. Initially complaining of backache, Toby was referred for physiotherapy.
Toby loved sports, especially rugby, playing in Royal Wootton Bassett's Under 11s team, so aches and bruises were nothing unusual.
However, a couple of weeks later, Toby struggled to stand. His condition rapidly deteriorated and within a short time, he had completely lost control of his lower body and was rushed to Great Western Hospital in Swindon.
An emergency MRI scan revealed a previously undetected tumour, which had developed in and around Toby’s spinal cord and spanned two-thirds the length of his spine. He was immediately blue-lighted to the John Radcliffe Hospital for specialist attention where surgeons took the decision to perform emergency surgery. This involved removing sections of vertebrae from Toby’s spine to relieve the pressure on the spinal cord. After the gruelling 8-hour operation, they had removed 70% of the tumour but felt that the remaining 30% was too risky to touch.
Since the operation, Toby has spent 2 months’ rehabilitation in hospital and has defied the original long-term prognosis that he would never regain the use of his legs.
Toby's determination combined with excellent care from hospital staff, saw Toby gradually rebuild his strength, to the extent that he can now use crutches to move short distances. Nevertheless, when he goes out, he is predominantly reliant on a wheelchair for mobility.
The next stage of his continuing rehabilitation is to help Toby adapt to his new way of life, whilst helping him build his physical and mental strength.
His wish now is to be as active as his condition allows and has expressed a particular interest in playing wheelchair rugby. This would enable him to take up a variation of the sport he loves so much.
We are asking for your help to raise funds to buy Toby a specialised sports wheelchair designed for the purpose and give Toby the ability to play sport once more.
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