‘#walk1000miles has completely changed my outlook’

Last year 37-year-old Becky Brooks was twice told she’d probably never walk again. Now she’s off exploring every day.

‘Last year I had three months of excruciating pain in my lower back and hip down to my right foot. A chiropractor was treating me for sciatica, but each visit left me in even more pain, and I had to pull over because I felt my leg going completely numb, and the pain in my hip was off the scale. One morning I couldn’t feel anything from the waist down. I called 999 and was told I had cauda equina syndrome, and needed an emergency operation on my spinal cord and discs. The surgeon said there was so much damage in my spine they didn’t know if the procedure had worked, or if I’d ever get full use of my legs again. But five days later I had an overwhelming urge to walk… so I did. I started recovery at home, but five weeks later a familiar pain came back. I needed more surgery, and that’s when I cried for the first time. An amazing nurse just held me super tight and let it pour out of me.

‘But soon afterward I discovered #walk1000miles through a friend, and dived straight in. I can honestly say it has completely changed my outlook on my future. At first I could only manage a mile. Although I found it painful I wasn’t about to quit, and before I knew it I was smashing out three miles a day no problem. Six months post-op I did Snowdon! Now I walk anywhere and everywhere. Walking is my escape to great health and treasured memories. I use it to clear my mind, reflect and focus to move forward. I’ve achieved a lot more than I ever imagined. I might have several plates in my spine but I’m fighting fit and back to living a normal life. I can’t really put into words just how much #walk1000miles means to me. Everyone should get out more without a plan and just walk to happiness. It works for me.’