Family and friends of Connor, who was paralysed after a university rugby match, are aiming to cycle nearly 1,100 miles from Land’s End to John O’Groats to raise money for spinal research.
Connor Hughes was just 19 when he suffered a severe spinal cord injury playing in a rugby match for Stirling University in 2014.
“I heard the crack but didn’t feel any pain – there should have been pain – but it wasn’t until the ruck dismantled and everyone got off me that I realised I couldn’t move,” said Connor who lives near Kelso, Roxburghshire.
The talented teenager’s life changed in an instant. And so did that of his loving family. Oldest sister Sarah, 37, said: “From then on we have been by his side as he has battled his life-changing injury and have endeavoured to support him in whatever way we can. Words simply cannot express our admiration and pride in him.”
Connor, now 29, was paralysed from the armpits down and although can move his arms he can’t use his hands. Over the last 10 years the young Scot has travelled to America and Thailand for pioneering stem cell treatment and spinal cord stimulation therapy which has helped restore some sensation and Connor is hopeful for the future.
“I do think there has been a lot of scientific progress in recent years and now it’s about getting that into clinical trials and accessible treatments which will make such a difference to people living with spinal cord injuries like me.
“There is hope and that’s why it’s really important to raise money for Spinal Research and why it’s great to see people getting behind the cycle challenge.”
With the help of family and friends Connor has rebuilt his life. He is studying with the Open University for a degree in astronomy and maths and is about to move into a purpose-designed home in Roxburgh built by brother-in-law David Manuel.
“We want to celebrate the vitality and resilience of Connor over the last 10 years, and our survival as his support network. Cycling this huge distance of nearly 1,100 miles in 10 days – 10 days for 10 years – is our challenge.” Sarah, pictured with Connor.
Support the teamDavid, from St Boswells, is taking on the Land’s End to John O’Groats cycling challenge with family friends Drew Gill from Selkirk and Andy Wagget from Sellafield, Cumbria. The marathon ride over ten days starting on June 29 will mark 10 years since Connor’s accident and aims to raise £15,000 for Spinal Research.
Vet Sarah, 37, said: “We want to celebrate the vitality and resilience of Connor over the last 10 years, and our survival as his support network. Cycling this huge distance of nearly 1,100 miles in 10 days – 10 days for 10 years – is our challenge.”
With a custom-made hand cycle Connor is also hoping to join the Scottish leg of the challenge with other family members and friends. He added: “Although it was very difficult at first after the accident you do become focused on building a different life, not a terrible life.
“My family have been amazing and their love and support has been crucial to me. I can’t thank them enough.”
