Back injury inspires charity run
After breaking three vertebrae during a race fall, Matamata’s Gemma Sliz is ready to support those who aren’t as fortunate as her.
Matamata’s Gemma Sliz is giving back after breaking three vertebrae in a horse racing accident.
The 32-year-old was thrown off her horse on September 11, 2014 after she was boxed in by two other horses.
“I was extremely close to one of the vertebrae going through my spinal cord and I had to spend six weeks without moving in hospital,” Gemma said.
Gemma recognises how fortunate she is to have walked out of hospital and has not let her accident stop her from getting back on a horse.
In support of others who have not been as lucky, she plans to participate in the Wings for Life World Run, which will be held at the same time around the globe.
The Wings for Life World Run is raising funds for research to cure spinal cord injury.
Gemma is encouraging others to get involved as well.
Gemma is aiming to run 10 kilometres in one hour and ten minutes.
“I’m lucky to be able to race and raise money for those who can’t and can’t live a life basically.
“I think there is a treatment out there with all the new technology and science that is becoming available.”
Gemma had to undertake a lot of rehabilitation and had to relearn how to walk after her accident.
“I still suffer from it. I have to go for MRIs every few years to check bones haven’t moved or changed, and there has been a lot of change over the years.
“My L5 [the fifth vertebrae in the spine] has changed and doesn’t look fantastic,” Gemma said.
Partner, Johno Crook, supports the charity run as he understands how much the cause means to Gemma.
“She’s not all that keen a runner but signed up within minutes of hearing about Wings for Life,” Johno said.
“It’s not easy for her and I’m extremely proud of what she is doing which is why I’ve signed up to support her, as well as the cause.”
The run includes 40 locations worldwide and participants around the globe will run at the same time.
The race route will be clear but runners will not be completing a set distance as the finish line will chase them.
Half an hour after the race begins, official catcher cars will simultaneously set off in pursuit of the runners.
The speed of the catcher cars will accelerate at determined intervals and when the catcher car passes runners their race is over and they catch the shuttle back to the start.
Champions in each location will be invited to race in one of the 40 courses of their choosing in the next Wings for Life World Run.
The overall champions of the global event will receive a round-the-world trip.
- The event will be held on May 4 at 9pm and will begin at Hampton Downs Raceway.
- Entry fee is $75 and participants must be 18 years and over.
- The event is for runners of all levels.
For more information about the Wings for Life event, go to www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com
