Former brain injury rugby star completes Bath Half Marathon and raises £10,500

Former brain injury sports stars complete Bath Half Marathon and raise over £10,500

 11th June 2014, Bath: Two sports stars who suffered traumatic brain injuries took part in this year’s Bath Half Marathon to raise money for Frenchay Brain Injury Rehabilitation Centre in Bristol, the facility that helped rehabilitate them.

Former professional rugby player, Lee Audis, and gold European event rider medalist, Polly Williamson, ran the ‘Bath Half’ along with five of the therapists that treated them over the last year. Despite the unpleasant weather and tough, physical conditions, Lee finished the race in 4 hours 14 minutes and Polly completed it in 3 hours and 54 minutes – a huge achievement for both of them.

The pair collectively raised over £10,500.  Their donation, together with money donated from other sources, will now enable the Centre to purchase an electric standing/walking hoist and treadmill (the LiteGait®).  The LiteGait® simultaneously controls weight bearing, posture and balance over a treadmill or over ground and will allow Frenchay’s therapy team to get patient’s standing and walking at an earlier point in their rehabilitation.

Alison Woods, Centre Manager at Frenchay Brain Injury Rehabilitation Centre, said: “Polly and Lee’s participation in the Bath Half Marathon is a tremendous achievement and testament to the hard work and determination that they showed during their rehabilitation. We’re very honored that they decided to fundraise on behalf of the centre and our other patients.”