Philip’s exercise challenge

Philip Parr who works for Blackstone Physiotherapy in Moira and with Lisburn’s Wallace High School completed a 5 X 50 challenge which involved walking, running or cycling 5K every day for 50 
consecutive days.

Philip went above and beyond to do a staggering 960Km - 710km more than he needed to do - finishing with a massive 106km cycle around the Ards Peninsula on Sunday of last week.

Through his role with the Lisburn school Philip got to know David Ross who 
suffered a cervical spine injury whilst playing rugby in 
February 2013 and has been in a wheelchair ever since.

Throughout this challenge Philip has been raising money for the David Ross 
Rehabilitation Fund and so far has raised over £1200.

Philip said: “David’s is a cause that I would love to make some degree of 
difference to through raising funds, allowing him to continue with his ongoing rehabilitation in the future. “

Philip continued: “The injury occurred in a ruck when another player came down awkwardly on David’s neck causing a dislocation at the level of his sixth and seventh cervical vertebrae.

Following initial assessment at Altnagelvin Hospital, David was transferred to the Royal Victoria Hospital 
where he had a cervical disc removed and had anterior fusion surgery in order to stabilise his neck.

This was followed by four weeks in the Intensive Care Unit and the High Dependency Unit and eventually referral to 
Musgrave Park Hospital to start his long and arduous rehabilitation process.

“Four months of hard work here resulted in David being discharged on July 25, 2013.

David has amazed and 
inspired everyone with his gutsy determination to 
reclaim his love of life.”

Philip added: “He has returned to school to complete his ‘A’ levels, he drives, he parties with his pals as well as training with the national Wheelchair Rugby team.

Unfortunately in Northern Ireland, the follow up and 
support is limited for those who have suffered spinal 
injuries in terms of on-going Physiotherapy.”

If you would like to 
support Philip’s fundraising 
please email him at [email protected]