Poole Physiotherapist Takes on London Marathon for Starlight Charity
A 22-year-old physiotherapist from Poole, Dorset, who survived a rare spinal stroke as a child, is now preparing to conquer the iconic London Marathon. Caroline Palfrey is running to raise funds for Starlight, the UK's leading health play charity, which played a pivotal role in her recovery journey.
A Life-Altering Diagnosis at a Young Age
At just eight years old, Caroline experienced a few days of illness before being rushed to A&E after suddenly losing movement on one side of her body. Extensive medical tests revealed she had suffered a spinal stroke, an extremely rare condition in children where the blood supply to the spine is disrupted. In her case, it was caused by a bleed, likely due to a rare vascular abnormality.
This left her paralysed on her right side, marking the beginning of a challenging period for her family. The stroke occurred shortly after her father underwent major back surgery, adding to the strain. While her mother stayed by her hospital bedside, her six-year-old brother often had to stay with friends, disrupting their normal family life.
Months of Hospitalisation and Rehabilitation
Caroline was hospitalised for months at Southampton General Hospital, undergoing numerous procedures and intensive rehabilitation. She missed school and the comforts of home, with this difficult experience repeating five years later when she needed surgery on her right leg, which had not developed properly after the stroke.
While the clinical care she received was exceptional, Caroline credits the health play team with having a transformative impact on her recovery. Using play as part of her rehabilitation, they employed games, toys, and creative activities to help her regain movement in her right hand and improve her mobility.
The Healing Power of Play in Healthcare
"It was an incredibly scary time for all of us," Caroline recalled. "All I wanted to do was walk, write my name, play my violin, and do a cartwheel! A big ask under the circumstances!"
She saw the play team most days during her hospital stay, with her parents prioritising these sessions over schoolwork because they recognised their importance to her rehab. These activities often focused on fine motor skills and mobility through play, making the hospital environment less intimidating and more enjoyable.
The play team also supported her younger brother by including him in activities, helping him cope after the family's life was "turned upside down." One memorable moment was when the nursing and play team created a 'Wheelchair Driving Licence' for him to use when visiting and pushing Caroline around, which he absolutely loved.
"As well as having an important role in my recovery, health play eased the stress and worry for the whole family by bringing something so normal in childhood into the hospital environment that is anything but normal," Caroline explained.
Inspiring a Career in Physiotherapy
Caroline's hospital experiences inspired her to pursue a career in physiotherapy. She graduated with a first-class honours degree and now works for University Hospitals Dorset NHS Trust at Royal Bournemouth and Poole hospitals. "This highlights just how meaningful play in healthcare can be; it truly has the power to shape lives," she said.
After her stroke, simply standing and walking again was a monumental challenge. Although she has made a remarkable recovery and can do most things, she has been left with right-sided weakness and a leg length discrepancy, meaning one leg is longer than the other. "Most people I meet would never know I'd had a stroke if I didn't tell them," Caroline noted.
Running the Marathon for a Cause
Caroline, who ran her first half marathon last autumn, is aiming to raise £5,000 for Starlight to support more children benefiting from the healing power of play. "I feel so privileged that I am able to run. I am definitely not the fastest, but I am able to do it," she said.
She attributes her achievements to the unwavering support of her family and friends, who encouraged her not to let her stroke hold her back. "It's probably because of this that I had the crazy idea to sign up to run a marathon! It's my way of showing how far I've come - pushing myself and giving back to an incredible charity that supported my family through the most difficult time in our lives."
Charity Support and Future Impact
Jonny Wright, director of income and engagement at Starlight, expressed gratitude for Caroline's efforts. "Caroline's story shows the difference play made from supporting her physical healing to taking away the fear of being in a medical environment, and helping her whole family cope," he said.
"We're so thankful to Caroline for raising vital funds for Starlight and we wish her all the best for those 26 miles. Caroline's commitment and determination will ensure more children are fully supported during what can be one of the most challenging times in their lives."
Caroline will be running the London Marathon on April 26, showcasing her resilience and dedication to a cause close to her heart.
