- Rehasense supports former jockey Wayne Burton’s London Marathon Dream
A former jockey in training for this year’s London Marathon has been donated a TRACK WHEEL by Rehasense UK, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of mobility solutions.
Forty-year-old Wayne Burton fell from his mount at Exeter racecourse in 2008, breaking his back and damaging his spinal cord at T4. Following spinal surgery, Wayne’s salt levels dropped dangerously low causing seizures which left him with brain damage and unable to speak. It took 18 months of intensive therapy to learn how to speak again and adapt to life in a wheelchair.
Over the years, Wayne has undertaken various fundraising challenges including a skydive with the Red Devils and ‘9 Lives Challenge’. This involved 9 injured jockeys paired with celebrities covering various distances each day by pushing a wheelchair, hand cycling, walking, cycling and swimming a total of 560 miles which is the distance between the three Injured Jockey’s Fund rehabilitation centres over 9 days raising over £100,000.
“I had always had the London marathon in my sights and thought 2024 would be a good year to do it as I am turning 40. I missed out on the general ballot for places but on the same day, I received an email from Spinal Research asking if I would like one of their places which was amazing as it is a charity very close to my heart.”
Said Wayne.
He continued:
“The support they have given me has been great and they suggested I speak to Dan Metcalfe, a fellow wheelchair user who did the marathon for them last year”.
Dan shared his experience and also explained what a difference the TRACK WHEEL had made so Wayne decided to give Rehasense a call.
“I spoke to Jordan at Rehasense, told him my story and plans for the London Marathon and was left speechless when he said he would like to support me by donating a TRACK WHEEL to help with my training and the marathon itself – I was only calling him for some advice!”. A couple of days later, the TRACK WHEEL arrived.
Prior to using the TRACK WHEEL, Wayne’s longest training distance was five miles but in his first session with the new equipment, he did 10!
“The difference the TRACK WHEEL makes in terms of speed, comfort, confidence and reduced need to push is unbelievable. Small inclines or de-clines are so much easier and whereas in the past the smallest objects such as a stone could pose a danger when travelling at speed, that is no longer the case as I have so much more stability. I can honestly say that thanks to Rehasense and the TRACK WHEEL I am much more confident about completing the London Marathon later this year and I would not hesitate in recommending Rehasense and the TRACKWHEEL to anybody. I would also just like to say a huge thank you to Jordan and Rehasense as their support and generosity has been amazing”.
The TRACK WHEEL has been designed to transform a standard manual wheelchair into an agile tricycle to enable wheelchair users to experience greater freedom. By attaching the 12” Track Wheel, the wheelchair’s castors are raised which slightly tilts the chair backwards and by noticeably reducing the rolling resistance, the user can enjoy increased speed, manoeuvrability, and comfort.
“We are delighted to be supporting Wayne as he prepares to take part in the London Marathon and raise as much as he can for Spinal Research which is an incredible organization. On behalf of everyone at Rehasense UK I would like to wish Wayne the best of luck” commented Jordan.
To sponsor Wayne in this year’s London Marathon go to 2024 TCS London Marathon | Wayne Burton
For more information on the full range of products available from Rehasense UK or to find your nearest retailer, visit Rehasense.
