Doctor Jack Broadfoot, Consultant Oncologist, had a cycling accident in June 2022, leading to a severe spinal cord injury and prolonged paralysis. Now, just over a year on, he is taking on the Superhero Para-Triathlon to raise funds for the spinal ward that looked after him.

“Last summer I was involved in a cycling accident while on holiday in Greece. I broke my neck, damaged my spinal cord, and was immediately paralysed from the neck down.

When I first arrived at University Hospital Southampton, the spinal doctors feared that I would never walk or live independently again.

My recovery against the odds owes much to the incredible care I received in the neurological intensive care unit, and of course, F4 Spinal Ward.

It was this team who put me back together again. With their support, I found my strength and learned how to sit up, stand up, take my first step, and finally, give hugs again!

My fiancé, Morgan, and I also got married in the hospital garden just eight weeks after my injury. We had a truly wonderful day, and it simply would not have been possible without this incredible team.

Having spent three months in the F4 ward before being transferred to a specialist rehabilitation centre in Salisbury, I know how crucial early rehabilitation is to help spinal patients improve and regain mobility.

This is why I am raising money for the therapy teams, so they can deliver intensive spinal cord injury rehabilitation targeted to the individual patient, through the provision of extra specialist equipment.

The Superhero Series

On 12^th August I am taking on the Superhero Triathlon at Dorney Lake in Windsor, which is designed specifically for disabled athletes.

My challenge will consist of a 750m swim, 20km cycle, and a 5km walk, and I have eight ‘sidekicks’ who will help keep me motivated through every section of the event who are close friends and family members.

Before my accident, I did quite a few triathlons and this challenge would have taken me about an hour and a half, but this time round, it will be at least double that!

Having this challenge to work towards has been a great motivation to keep me focused on my physical rehab.

The money raised will go straight to Southampton Hospitals Charity, to support the spinal cord injury rehabilitation service on F4 spinal ward. We’ve already raised over £9,200 which is just unbelievable!”

Good luck to Jack and his sidekicks Morgan Bailey, Ross Broadfoot, Jane Broadfoot, John Broadfoot, Paul Evans, Chris Austin, Rob Larkin, and Adam Bowley.

Support Jack today!