I’ve always been passionate about exercise and a keen walker/trail runner.
A few years ago, all that changed when I had a suspected stroke and my mobility was compromised. To go from running 20-30 miles a week to not being able to move one side and having severe fatigue was shocking and soul destroying. A few years later, a routine s
can showed that I had, in fact, developed Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis with a large tumefactive lesion as well as smaller ones. Neuro rehab was arduous and lengthy but I was absolutely determined to keep as fit as possible for the sake of my young family as well as myself.
I gradually adapted and accepted that I would never run marathons and focussed more on building what I can still do. After climbing the highest peak in Madeira earlier this year, I found that I was very slow and unstable during the descent; I struggle with walking down hills as I have a right sided tremor, nerve pain and muscle spasticity as well as dizzy spells. I was keen to find a solution and my physiotherapist suggested I take a look at your poles when we returned. I had a chat with Mike (Rollason) and decided the WALX Xplorer would be a good all rounder for me. I was really impressed with the quality of customer care and, once I got the height of the poles correct, picked up the technique quickly. The unique design of the handles is so clever and they are very comfortable to use. I take them everywhere as they help so much with my stability; the only downside is that I now walk super fast on hikes and friends struggle to keep up with me! Living with RRMS has taken a lot of adjustment and can be challenging at times but I’m a firm advocate of the benefits of exercising outdoors. Good for the body, good for the soul. Thank you WALX, for helping me on my journey!
I’d like the WALX design team to design a bit more reflective gear; maybe a kind of reflective ‘jacket’ for the poles and some funky, reflective clothing? I’m an early bird and often out and about before sunrise!
I’m planning for my WALX poles to take me up Snowdon next Easter, so I’m hoping to build enough stamina for a 6hr hike!