In 2005, a few days after giving birth, Jane and her family were told she had just hours to live. She had contracted Necrotising Fasciitis (NF) and it was very quickly ripping through her body.
Thankfully their prognosis was not correct, but for Jane this was only the first battle of many. Extensive surgery was required to get rid of the NF, one which involved the removal of her abdominal muscles. As she lay in intensive care, it was becoming clear that her physical ability would never be the same again.
Officially discharged from hospital in 2008, Jane was confined to a wheelchair. But not one to give up, Jane clenched her teeth and decided she was determined to walk again.
Six years on and Jane has done far more than that, She is now an avid cyclist, who is about to attempt to cycle the 1,000 miles from John O’Groats to Lands End.
“If someone told me 8 years ago that one day I would be attempting to cycle 1000 miles from John O’Groats to Lands End, I would’ve thought them mad. Truth is that if I hadn’t contracted NF I never would have! When I learnt to walk again getting on a bike wasn’t even on the radar. I never even knew if cycling would be possible but I bought a bike and on my first outing I managed nearly half a mile before the pain was too much. Unfortunately pain is part of my daily life and being on a bike is tough going so I guess I may as well be doing something spectacular,” says a determined Jane.
“Cycling has given me a freedom I never thought possible. I often ride in tears. Some for pain and some for the realisation that I shouldn’t be here doing this but I am,” she continues.
Jane will cycle in aid of the Lee Spark NF Foundation. You can support the cause here.
To follow Jane’s progress, check out her blog or follow her on Twitter – @velvetcherries
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