Moor Green Warriors Treadmill Triumph
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In September 2019, a group of current and former clients of Moseley Hall Hospital’s Moor Green Rehabilitation Unit, nicknamed the Moor Green Warriors, got together to organise a relay walk to raise funds for a much needed treadmill for the unit gym. Thanks to the amazing effort of the Warriors at the relay, almost £4,000 was raised for BCHC Charity at the boating lake at Cannon Hill Park, and the new treadmill has been gratefully received at the centre.
Moor Green is an outpatient brain injury service, offering support for adults with an acquired brain injury. As well as one-to-one appointments with clinicians, the centre also offers activity workshops such as gardening, woodwork and computer skills. Clients can work on managing their behaviour, community integration, independent living skills or returning to work.
The Moor Green Warriors formed after clients at the centre bonded during their course of rehabilitation there. Rob Cartwright, one of the main instigators of the walking relay event, said; “We decided we wanted to give something back to Moor Green as a thank you for the wonderful work they have and are still doing with us. We never imagined how successful it would be!”
Rob was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2016, and after a ten-hour operation and lengthy hospital stay, Rob was referred to Moor Green. “I had carers to look after me and could do very little for myself,” he recalls, “but I was adamant that I wanted to regain some independence, dignity and mobility. Initially I thought it (Moor Green) would just be a way for me to get out of the house and meet people… What it turned out to be was a community support structure, completely geared at making me realise my potential and find ways to overcome my limitations.”
Staff and other supporters also took part in fundraising throughout 2019 towards the treadmill and other items to enhance patients’ experiences at the unit. Peripatetic Occupational Therapist Michelle Greaves ran the Great Birmingham 10k and raised £505. “The treadmill will empower and enrich the lives of our patients at Moor Green. I personally wish to thank everyone for supporting us in raising funds for such an invaluable piece of equipment.”
The treadmill enables patients under the care of Moor Green to regain their strength and mobility, as well as improve their exercise tolerance. This will be invaluable to those who have been significantly affected by their brain injury, helping them to rebuild their confidence and achieve their rehabilitation goals.
Mark Wilson was referred to Moor Green following a large middle cerebral artery stroke. His sister Karen explains why they were so keen to help raise funds for the treadmill; “Mark arrived for his initial assessment at Moor Green in a wheelchair but at the end of his rehabilitation, to everybody’s amazement, he walked out!
"Mark was able to access a treadmill in a different department of Moseley Hall Hospital and found it to be a huge aid in his recovery, helping him to gain strength. This is why we are so passionate about fundraising for the treadmill… as the extra equipment will be invaluable to patients on their rehabilitation journeys. We helped raise funds for the treadmill as a small token of our appreciation to the amazing team at Moor Green.”