Mike Newman’s story is one of resilience, determination, and hope. In June 2019, Mike was involved in a serious motorcycle accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down. Doctors told him that he might never walk again, but Mike refused to give up on himself. Instead, he embarked on a journey to prove the doctors wrong and become a licensed personal trainer.
During his six-month stay at the hospital, Mike faced numerous challenges, including infected wounds, broken metal rods in his back, and nerve damage that left him unable to feel his legs. However, he never lost hope and remained committed to his recovery. With the help of assistive equipment and physiotherapy, he managed to take his first steps since the crash.
Overcoming Physical and Mental Obstacles
Although he was largely confined to a wheelchair, Mike continued to work hard to regain his strength and mobility. He spent lockdown walking around his house with a Zimmer frame, crutches, and a wheelchair. He even set a goal to use the bathroom himself again, and it felt like such an achievement to independently use the toilet rather than having to use a catheter. Newman documents his survivor’s story on his “Paralyzed to PT” TikTok channel,
Several months later, Mike decided to hit the gym in a wheelchair and build up his upper body strength. He met a lad on the ward who never thought he’d walk again, and Mike befriended him and took him along to the gym every time he went. The lad later sent Mike a video of himself walking up and down the stairs for the first time in years, which inspired Mike to keep going.
Despite Covid restrictions cutting short his physiotherapy sessions, Mike kept pushing himself and the feeling started to come back to his legs. He found he was able to stand and walk for short periods of time, which sparked him to reapply for his personal training license. He became the first to complete the course in a wheelchair and is now hoping to use his experience of paralysis to help train other people in a similar situation and give them the hope they need to get back on their feet again.
The Importance of a Support System
Mike credits his friends and family for helping him through his rehabilitation after his accident. His partner, Emma-Jane, has been a constant source of motivation, pushing him out of his comfort zone and always challenging him to push past what he thought his limits were. Mike recently danced with her for the first time, which felt amazing, and she even had him give the pole a go!
Mike’s story is a shining example of what can be achieved with determination and hard work. He refused to give up on himself, even when the odds seemed stacked against him. The brit took each day as it came, set small achievable goals, and never lost sight of his end goal. He proved to himself and to others that anything is possible with the right mindset and support.
If you’re facing a challenging situation, whether it’s recovering from an injury or dealing with a personal setback, take inspiration from Mike’s story. Remember that you’re capable of achieving great things, even in the face of adversity. Set small achievable goals, work hard, and never give up on yourself. With time and effort, you can overcome any obstacle and achieve your dreams.