Rob Camm, a 32-year-old from Berkeley, Gloucestershire, who has been paralysed from the neck down for over ten years, is undertaking a 5-kilometre rowing challenge to raise funds for Neurokinex, a spinal cord injury rehabilitation charity. Rob’s life changed dramatically after a car accident in September 2013, days before he was due to start university, leaving him tetraplegic with very limited movement - able only to shrug his shoulders and turn his head.
Following nine months in hospital and relying on a ventilator to assist his breathing, Rob faced not only considerable physical challenges but also a significant mental adjustment. Despite these obstacles, he achieved a first-class degree in politics and philosophy from Bristol University and now works as a solicitor at the international legal firm Osborne Clarke based in Bristol.
Rob’s determination is evident in his previous undertakings, which include completing a Tough Mudder, the Bristol half marathon, and climbing Snowdon in a specially adapted wheelchair. His latest venture involves rowing 5km indoors on a custom-made machine adapted from an upside-down bicycle. He will operate this by using gloves fixed to a handle attached to the pedals that turn the wheel, with his speed and distance monitored by a milometer.
READ MORE: Gloucestershire Police Seeks Witnesses Following Multiple Recent Incidents
To complete the distance, Rob plans five shorter stints, allowing for recovery between each segment. He will be assisted by two people who will help maintain his arm position throughout the challenge to operate the rowing machine effectively.
Neurokinex, a charity close to Rob’s heart, supports individuals living with paralysis through exercise and specialist equipment designed to engage the entire body, not just functioning muscles. Since beginning therapy with Neurokinex in 2019, Rob has experienced considerable improvement and attributes much of his progress to their support.
Speaking about the challenge, Rob said: “The Neurokinex community is like no other. I know from personal experience just what a massive difference Neurokinex physical therapy makes, and simply want to help more people benefit from it. They have made a huge difference to me; I’m in a much better and stronger place after all the work we have done together. I was always very active and very fit before the accident, and I just want to be able to thank them for allowing me to keep doing that and keep using my chair in the way that I am.”
Rob aims to raise £1,500 through this initiative, which would help provide six free rehabilitation sessions to three individuals affected by spinal cord injury. As of now, he has raised £1,255 towards this goal.
The rowing challenge is scheduled for 11 September, starting at 2pm. Supporters can donate to Rob’s fundraising efforts to contribute towards the vital work of Neurokinex.