MY STORY
Hi, my name is Freya. I was diagnosed with Scoliosis at the age of 11, and less than a year later had corrective surgery at the base of my spine. My operation lasted 7 hours and involved removing a rib, deflating my lung and inserting 4 titanium screws and a rod to keep my back straight and hold it in position. I had to wear a full back brace for 6 months after the surgery, 23 hours a day, and have a 30cm long scar. Since having my surgery 8 years ago, I have led a completely normal life, and completed the full 268 miles of the Pennine Way, or 'Backbone of Britain' over 19 days this summer to prove that Scoliosis and spinal fusion surgery does not have to limit your actions, and you can still achieve the goals you set yourself (even ridiculous ones)!!
What is
I set up the Back the Back Walk for several reasons. On a personal level, it is a way of me thanking all the people who helped me, both in and out of hospital, on my road to recovery. There is, however, a much bigger purpose for the walk: this is a chance to help others going through treatment, not only by raising funds for the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital Charity and Scoliosis Campaign Fund, but hopefully by inspiring them - I am living proof that the surgery works. The main goal for this walk, however, is to raise awareness for Scoliosis itself, and to get people talking about it.
The more people know about it, the easier it can be recognised, therefore the faster it can be treated.
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The more people know about it, the easier it can be recognised, therefore the faster it can be treated.
INTERVIEWS
To find out more about Freya and her walk, listen to her interview with the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital's radio station 'Radio Brockley' and read her interview with 'Living for Scoliosis' below!