'Becoming paralysed changed my outlook on life'
Tommy Rowlinson became paralysed from the chest down aged 19 after being diagnosed with Acute Transverse Myelitis in 2022, a condition caused by inflammation of the spinal cord.
Now, the 21-year-old University of Sussex law student is set to join thousands of runners taking to the streets of London on 27 April as he aims to raise awareness of spinal cord injuries.
He said: "Going through something so traumatic does change your perspective on life. I'm a lot more grateful for what I've got and who I've got around me."
Mr Rowlinson, from Bexleyheath, said he first noticed issues in September 2022 when his legs felt "abnormally weak".
The next morning he collapsed while trying to get out of bed before taking himself to the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton.
He went on to spend three months at the Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath before being treated at the National Spinal Injuries Centre in Stoke Mandeville Hospital.
Initially requiring a wheelchair, Mr Rowlinson was told that he may never walk again. But after months of physiotherapy, he can now walk and run, despite still suffering from some symptoms such as managing his bladder and bowels.
He added: "I remember the first night when things started to come back and I could move from my knee to my hip.
"It was the most incredible feeling ever. I FaceTimed my parents to show them I was moving my leg. It's such a fond memory from such a horrible time.
"I'm a big believer that things will always get better, but I've come to terms with my injury now. The remnant conditions I have I'm happy enough with that I'm able to live a full life."
Mr Rowlinson will run the London Marathon in aid of the Spinal Injuries Association, aiming to complete the event in less than five hours.
He had intended to complete the marathon in his wheelchair, but after recovering quicker than anticipated, will now run the 26.2 mile (42.2km) course.
Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.
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