Holly takes on Great North Run for Spinal Research a year after devastating crash

Almost a year ago the lives of Chris and Holly Garrett and their young family were turned upside down when a routine commute ended with Chris being paralysed from the chest down.

On Sunday (September 7) Holly will take on the Great North Run – her first half marathon – to raise vital funds for Spinal Research.

Last October, experienced motorcyclist Chris sustained multiple life-threatening and life-changing injuries in a crash on his way to work.

The 39-year-old motor mechanic spent three months in Newcastle’s RVI hospital, and a further three months in the specialist James Cook Spinal Injuries Unit in Middlesborough where he, and his devoted family, started coming to terms with the reality of his new life as paraplegic.

**Chris Garrett was paralysed from the chest down after a horror crash on his way to work**

“When you are faced with something like this you have to fight on for the kids and Chris has been amazing,” said Holly. “We have always been a fit and active family and, although there have been dark times, Chris has been so determined and has thrown himself into physio and rehab.

“Before the accident I had no idea about a spinal cord injury. Like most people I just assumed that being paralysed was all about not being able to walk, but there is so much more.

“It’s everything from skin sores to the loss of bowel and bladder control, to breathing and blood pressure regulation problems to infections. It is completely life changing.”

The family have moved into an accessible, rented bungalow in East Boldon, SouthTyneside, and Holly has put on running shoes for the first time to raise money for Spinal Research – joining 60,000 people at the start line of the world’s biggest half marathon on Sunday.

“From never having run before Chris’s accident I now really enjoy getting out. It’s my time when I can just forget everything and run,” said the 35-year-old finance manager.

“I really want to raise as much money and awareness as I can for Spinal Research. It’s still early days and we know this is going to be a long journey, but the amazing research the charity supports gives us hope.

“Chris has been so positive we have all taken the lead from him. We held a bit of a welcome home party and my nine-year-old daughter raised £113 for Spinal Research all on her own from a glitter tattoo stall which touched us both so much.”

**Autumn Garrett raised over £100 for Spinal Research from a glitter tattoo stand at her Dad’s homecoming party**

Every two hours someone in the UK is paralysed after a spinal cord injury – it can happen to anyone at any time with devastating consequences for them and their loved ones.

Suzanne Redding, Head of Audience and Community for Spinal Research, said: “We have been incredibly moved by Holly and her family’s commitment and passion for raising vital money and awareness around spinal cord injuries.

“We are now seeing the first generation of function restoring therapies coming through which will truly change the lives of people like Chris.

“We wish her the best of luck for Sunday and all the Team Spinal runners. Every single donation made to support them brings our vision of curing paralysis a step closer.”

To support Holly go to her fundraising page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/holly-garrett-2?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL&utm_campaign=015