Portia Trousdell, a 30-year-old English teacher from St Mellons, is preparing to run the Kidney Wales CDF 10K in Cardiff on September 6. Three years ago, she was left paralysed after spinal surgery, and she spent 18 months in hospital before taking her first steps with a walking aid in April 2024.
From hospital bed to parkrun
Portia's ordeal began in early 2023 when she woke up in severe back pain. After being referred for an MRI scan, she was diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis NF1, a genetic condition causing non-cancerous growths on her spine. She underwent surgery in London in February 2023 to remove the tumours, but the procedure left her unable to use her arms or legs.
Her father Stephen had passed away suddenly just one week before her operation. Despite the emotional blow, Portia pushed for rehabilitation. She began sessions in Cardiff in April 2023, though medical staff warned that walking again was unlikely. She said: "There was about five minutes of devastation upon hearing that, but I’m extremely stubborn and thought, ‘no, I will walk again’."
Determination and medical support
At Llandough Hospital, Portia completed daily therapy sessions, gradually taking her first steps. She also took part in creative arts in the hospital garden to regain hand control. After further surgery in September 2023, she started hydrotherapy, which she described as "the best thing ever." In April 2024, she had a baclofen pump fitted to deliver muscle relaxant medication directly into her spinal cord, requiring refills every six months.
Portia said: "The medication, together with my determination really helped with my progress. I hadn’t used my legs for 16 months and you don’t realise the weight of your own legs – it was like I was a baby learning to walk again."
Return to running
Portia returned to parkrun on Christmas Day 2024, walking the course. She gradually increased her activity with support from her partner Sam and friends. She still attends regular physical therapy and has learned to write with her left hand. She said: "I could have stayed in bed and done nothing, but that’s not who I am. I’m grateful I’ve been given a second chance as not everyone gets that."
Now she aims to complete the Kidney Wales CDF 10K on September 6. She said: "I wanted to set myself a goal that would be more challenging than a normal run to prove to myself what I can do and show others what is possible. It’s so important to never give up."
Matt Newman, chief executive of event organisers Run 4 Wales, said: "It’s incredibly inspiring to hear of Portia’s determination in getting to the start line of this year’s Kidney Wales CDF 10K, and we’ve no doubt that her story will help inspire and motivate many others. We can’t wait to cheer her across the finish line."
Registration is required for the event, which takes place in Cardiff. More information is available at cardiff10k.cymru.
