Bexleyheath student who was told he 'wouldn't walk again' set to run London Marathon
Tommy Rowlingson, from Bexleyheath, became paralysed from the waist down after a viral infection in September 2022, when he was 19.
He was diagnosed with acute transverse myelitis, a rare condition caused by inflammation of the spinal cord, which can result in mobility issues and loss of bladder, bowel, and sexual function.
After being told by doctors that he may never walk again, Mr Rowlingson spent six months in gruelling rehabilitation sessions at the Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath and the National Spinal Injuries Centre in Stoke Mandeville.
Despite the bleak prognosis, he continued to make significant progress each day.
Tommy became paralysed from the waist down at 19-years-old. (Image: SIA) By the end of his time in rehabilitation, he was able to walk short distances.
"The early days of my injury, when progress was sparse and functionality was low, were dark days, but despite having been told I might never walk again, I never gave up hope," he said.
"Maybe because I was stubborn or maybe because I was young, but the idea of never being able to walk again just didn't lodge itself in my mind.
"It was always 'one day'."
He continued with his studies at the University of Sussex while continuing to focus on his goal of running the London Marathon.
"I've always had intentions of doing the marathon, but I think my injury has just given me the push to actually do it," he said.
"Originally, the plan was to do it in a chair, but I recovered much faster than I expected, so that went from rolling to running."
With intense rehabilitation, Tommy learnt to walk again. (Image: SIA) Mr Rowlingson will be running the 26.2-mile race on April 27, 2025, in aid of the Spinal Injuries Association.
Despite his remarkable recovery, Mr Rowlingson still faces daily challenges as a result of his injury.
"Managing my bladder and bowels alongside exercise and diet has been challenging.
"Muscle recovery has been challenging too, but I've been increasing the frequency of exercise which trains them to recover faster."
The Spinal Injuries Association is a national charity that provides support to people with spinal cord injuries through peer-to-peer support, clinical advice and advocacy, counselling, and by working with policymakers.
Mr Rowlingson said: "For me, the SIA do so much in order to represent and be a voice for the spinal cord injury community.
"They provide support for those that need it and advice for those that want it.
"When I was in Stoke Mandeville, a support coordinator who was living with a spinal cord injury came in and helped with patient education, which is essential for someone like myself coming to grips with their new body."
To support Mr Rowlingson's fundraising for the Spinal Injuries Association, visit his Just Giving page.
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