On this week’s episode I am joined by the hugely inspiring Zach Washington-Young who was involved in a horrific crash in 2012 and was left paralysed from his hips down and told that he’d never walk again. Fast forward to April 2018 and he completed the full 26-mile London Marathon on foot, making medical history as the first person to suffer from a severance of the spinal cord to do so.
In this chat, we talk through Zach’s journey and the work he has done with Prime Physio to get through his rehabilitation, what went into training for the marathon, the exact moment he regained feeling in his thigh and why keeping a crowd of positive people around him is key to his recovery & loads more.
Honestly, I think you guys are going to love this episode as it’s so powerful!
Zach and his team are currently working on a documentary to show his journey from hospital bed to marathon finishing line and I can’t wait to see the finished product.
To contribute to Zach’s fundraising campaign, go here: uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ZachWashingtonYoung
If you enjoy the episode, please leave a review or comment!
Follow Zach:
IG: @zach_wy
Follow Dreamer’s Disease
IG: @the_dreamersdisease / @iamalexmanzi
Twitter: @dreamerspod / @iamalexmanzi
Soundcloud: @thedreamersdisease
Some topics we discuss:
The feelings and emotions he went through during and after the crash
Being a spinal injury ambassador
What his life was like before the injury
The moment his mindset changed and realised he might walk again
Detailing his first steps during rehabilitation
What went into training for the London Marathon
His need to thrive and see each challenge as an adventure
The toughest moment he experienced during the marathon
Successes he’s seen in swimming
Absorbing himself with positive people
Why his ultimate goal is to be satisfied and content
Wanting to give back and to benefit a greater cause
