My name is Fiona and 14 years ago I was 14 years old when I had spinal fusion surgery to correct a >80 degree curvature of my spine caused by scoliosis. This year, I will be running my first marathon and hope to raise vital funds for Straight Ahead in the process.

Scoliosis, by definition, is a curvature of the spine +/- rotation of the vertebrae. The reality of this for teenage Fiona was being overwhelmingly self-conscious, hiding my 'hunchback' appearance in clothes far too big for me, and wishing I could be just like everyone else. 

Surgery, for me, was life changing. I was so incredibly lucky to have such an amazing correction of my curve. I was 3 inches taller and ready to take on the world. Little did I know that I was only just getting started on this journey and had a long road to recovery ahead of me. 

I have always been a massive sports fan, but never possessed any great sporting ability. I took surgery as an excuse to withdraw from participating in sport and physical activity in general. It was just easier not to have people notice my scar in changing rooms, comment on my new awkward-looking run, and live in fear of physical contact that could hurt my back. Later in my teens and early 20s, I tried the gym a few times but was scared of the weights and the intensity at which the people were working out. I was happy enough to stick to walking and the occasional hike.

In March 2020 I, like many, took up running. I tried to complete the couch to 5km program a few times before finally managing it and then tried to keep running, but my body just wasn't physically strong enough. Thankfully, I was pointed in the direction of my physio, Roisin (a scoliosis expert - a rare gem!), who has been instrumental in this whole journey. I wouldn't be running pain and injury free without her.

I was sitting at home one evening in late 2021 when I saw an ad for a 'Tuesday Trotters' 8 week running program organised by Togher AC. I wasn't really getting anywhere running by myself and it sounded like all levels of ability were welcome so I signed up. The first day I was a nervous wreck. Despite the fact I was slightly embarrassed at being younger and slower than most there, I really enjoyed it. I completed the 8 weeks and 'graduated' to the track sessions with the Fit4Life group. There is no conceivable way that I would be running a marathon without being a part of such an inclusive and friendly group of people.

Basically, what I'm trying to say is that even with a fused spine and a potential fear of being less fit or slower than everyone else, there is an inclusive space for you somewhere! It's all about finding the right environment and just going for it. I am regularly the last person to finish the track session on a Tuesday evening, and of course it used to get me down when I started, but yanno what? I'm going way faster than the person sitting at home doing nothing.

I've now been living with a fused spine for as long as I was living without one and it hasn't stopped me from doing anything. I'm working as a pharmacist, I've been paragliding in India, scuba diving in Thailand, skiing in the Alps, trekked to Machu Picchu in Peru, all with the straightest and most rigid spine going. Running the marathon in Cork this June will be the toughest task I've ever undertaken, both physically, mentally and emotionally. I have questioned my ability almost every day I've been training but I just tell myself that teenage me would never have believed that I could do this, so we are going to prove her wrong!

I never imagined that 14 years after I waited over 12 months for surgery, that we would be having the same conversation in 2023. From when I was first put on the waiting list to actually having surgery my curve nearly doubled in size. Imagine how much less complicated it could have been for everyone involved if I had been operated on sooner? If the money I raise can help one little 'Fiona' get off that waiting list, all the blood, sweat and tears I've trained through over the last few months will have been worth it.

If you're reading this waiting for surgery worried about what the future holds, I assure you it will all be worth it. Or if, like me, you were operated on in an era where aftercare was non-existent and you feel left behind, it's never too late to take control and get back to a life full of activity.

I hope you can help me by donating whatever you can. Simply click the Donate button above. All donations are processed securely.You can also share my page using Share options below. This is a great way to show your support.

Thanks a million,

Fiona