On November 16th 2009, Mia Austin, aged 21 years, suffered a devastating stroke. At first, thoughts were focused on whether Mia would survive the weekend. Against the odds, Mia did survive, however this has left her paralysed from the neck down, unable to speak or move her limbs - a condition known as Locked-In Syndrome.

Updated: Dec 2010

During 2010, the people of Great Britain and the rest of the world has shown enormous generosity in helping to raise money to support Mia Austin and her family adapt to the changes needed to support someone living with Locked-In syndrome.  What started as a relatively modest challenge of the 3-Peaks by Mia’s boyfriend and a few friends, quickly snowballed into an amazing display of human spirit and kindness - there has been so many fund-raising efforts, donations and support from every corner of the globe it’s been difficult to keep on top of what’s been going on - check out the Contributors and Activities pages to see who’s been getting involved!

Now, in December, the family home has been renovated to accommodate Mia and the specialist equipment needed to enable a decent quality of life.  On the 7th of the month, Mia was able to spend the first night home with her family in over 13 months.  A few weeks later, Mia is now permanently living at home thanks to every single person who has been involved.

Merry Christmas to you all!

 

A Poem, by Mia Austin

In a Cage

It started by falling on the bathroom floor,
Followed by the sound of a ambulance door.

Woke up from a coma surronded by machines, 
all i remember was having wierd dreams.

The operation for being fed was the scariest moment of all, 
even worse that not being able to walk, talk or call.

Each day i was passed from pillar to post, 
knowone cared what i wanted the most.

I was shoved in a wheelchair which i had to grin and bare,
to sit alone to think and to stare.

I celebrated christmas in a hospital room,
by summer i was eating from a spoon.

The moral of my story is when people say live each day as if it is your last,
don't mope around, have a blast!!

By Mia Austin. Aged 22

 

***************************************************************************************************************

-- Previous Copy --

Mia is currently staying at Clatterbridge Hospital, receiving excellent care and support from the nurses, friends and family. The goal is eventually for Mia to move back home, but as you can imagine this will require a huge change to the family home to accommodate the specialist equipment, beds, chairs and bathing suites to look after and rehabilitate Mia.

And this is where you come in. On Friday 4th June and Saturday 5th June 2010, Richard and a group of friends undertook the 3-Peak Challenge - climbing the 3 highest peaks in the UK in only 21 hours and 40 mins; Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon.

The goal was to raise as much as possible to help towards the modifications to the Austin family home. Please click on the Donate page to give as much as you can to give Mia a better quality of life when she returns home.