Doc who had to learn to walk again set to sail around the globe
A DOCTOR who was born with part of his brain sticking through the base of his skull into his spine and had to learn to walk again, is getting set to sail around the world.
Greg Schey will complete a full circumnavigation on board Qingdao, one of 12 yachts competing in the Clipper 2017-2018 Round the World race.
The 27-year-old medic, who was born in London and now lives and works in Swansea, said he is excited for the start of the race, which is leaving Liverpool today.
He was born with the condition Arnold-Chiari Malformation, which is where the lower part of the brain, that deals with co-ordination, pushes down into the spine.
“My co-ordination was very low and, as a result of that sticking through... it disrupts the flow of fluid which goes up and down the brain and spinal cord,” he told the Press Association.
“That caused bubbling, and the bubbling in my spinal cord, pushes the bones of the spine out of alignment and then compresses the nerves.
“Compression of the nerves leads to lots of rather nasty things, so no muscle development, no sensation and that sort of thing.”
Just before he turned seven, Dr Schey underwent corrective surgery and then spent the next seven years in plaster and undergoing physiotherapy to learn to walk again.
“Growing up around 12, 13, 14 years of age in full body plaster from hip to shoulder for 22 hours a day is quite an impingement,” he said.
“The one or two hours I had off were for swimming because it is very good for strengthening up the back and all body muscles.”
Despite dealing with that as a child Dr Schey said it has not held him back, and that sailing around the world is something he has always wanted to do.