Ilfracombe women walks two miles for charity after being paralysed from the neck down

A woman from Ilfracombe has defied the odds after being told she would never walk again. Sarah Morris, 56, who was paralysed from the neck down in January 2024, achieved the extraordinary by walking two miles around Wistlandpound Reservoir, raising £665 for the disability charity Calvert Exmoor.

Sarah’s journey is one of determination and resilience. 

Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2000, she lived with the condition while raising two children and continuing her career. 

In early 2024, an infection following a minor foot operation left her paralysed from the neck down. After four months in hospital, doctors said she would never regain her ability to walk.

Refusing to accept this prognosis, Sarah embarked on a self-led rehabilitation journey, using pilates and swimming to rebuild her strength.

By December, she was able to walk again with the support of a frame and decided to mark this milestone by raising money for a cause close to her heart.

Supported by her mum Janet, friends, and staff from Calvert Exmoor, Sarah completed the two-mile walk along the water’s edge, contributing to the charity’s efforts to provide accessible outdoor activities.

“My recovery started with pilates,” Sarah explained.

“Having my body moved around so much must have shocked it back into life, as my ability to move myself soon developed. I also did a lot of swimming, which was wonderful as it’s a sport I excelled in when younger, despite unknowingly having MS.”

Sarah first encountered Calvert Exmoor in October during a visit with the Ilfracombe Rotary Club and was inspired by their work. 

“We saw their campaign to raise money for the horses and wanted to help,” she said.

The £665 raised by Sarah and her mum contributed to the charity’s Big Give Christmas Challenge, which raised over £34,000 for the Equestrian Centre.

Gemma Cartwright, Fundraising Officer at Calvert Exmoor, praised Sarah’s efforts: “We’re in awe of Sarah’s mental and physical strength to go from a hospital bed to walking two miles. Every penny of her contribution will go to supporting our Equestrian team, who provide horse riding experiences for people with disabilities. A huge well done and thank you to Sarah, Janet, and everyone involved.”