Injured Welsh triathlete says ‘It was touch and go’ that he survived
A TRIATHLETE, who was paralysed from the neck down after falling off his bike at high speed, has opened up on his recovery and said doctors told his family it was “touch and go”.
Nathan Ford, 37, from Killay, Swansea, posted a video on Facebook to update fans about his current progress and thank them for their support and donations.
It is believed the athlete was injured after falling off his bike on a wet downhill section of the course during the British Triathlon Championships in Aberfeldy. He was taken to intensive care, where he is unable to move or breathe without assistance.
Nathan, who is thankfully conscious, posted a video on Facebook on Saturday to update fans.
He said: “I don’t remember anything from the crash but unfortunately it broke two bones in my neck and two bones in my back and I also have a spine cord injury.
“First thing I remember is waking up in Scotland in hospital. The consultants were saying to my family it was touch or go whether I would survive or not.”
Nathan was being treated at a hospital in Scotland and had an operation at the beginning of September to stabilise the fractures in his neck. He also had an operation to fit a tracheostomy in September.
He is now being treated at a hospital in Cardiff and is planning for his rehab programmes over the coming months.
He said: “I’ve had the halo [headpiece] on for six weeks and have six weeks to go. I’ve seen some of the challenges people have done in support for me and I’m extremely grateful for that.”
Nathan started to get emotional as he said he “couldn’t thank his family enough for everything they have done” for him.
However, Nathan told supporters he’s “not the one to turn down a challenge” and “roll on the next six to nine months of rehab”.
He signed off the video by saying: “I really am truly thankful and I will see you guys soon.”
Catrin Ford set up a GoFundMe page on August 24 to help pay for accommodation while in Scotland, as well as Nathan’s extensive recovery and rehabilitation.