barn house

Katy's Challenge

In October of this year Katy McGraghan , took on an enormous challenge, climbing Mount Toubai ….Well done Katy, what an achievement! Here is her story……

Mount Toubkal Trek – Autumn 2011


In Oct 2011 Myself, Katy McGraghan-Hall a Barn House Chartered Physiotherapist and a group of 5 other family members set off to Morocco, North Africa to climb and summit The Mountain Jebel Toubkal to raise money for The Queen Alexandra Hospital Home Physiotherapy department.

My husbands best friend, Stuart Langley was tragically knocked off his bicycle in March 2009 aged 38 and suffered a serious brain injury, form which he is still recovering. He currently a permanent resident at The Queen Alexandra Hospital Home in Worthing where he requires round the clock care. Stuarts accident has turned his and the life of his closest family upside down. Everyday is a challenge for them all and the home where he is receiving fantastic care relies very heavily on charity funding to operate. The majority of his fellow residents are ex-servicemen, so you can imagine, they work him hard!

At 4,167 metres (13,671 ft) high, The Mountain of Jebel Toubkal is the highest peak in the Atlas Mountains and in turn North Africa. The night before we tackled the summit we camped at the mountain Refuge after a day trekking in the sun- sleep was scare that night thanks to our braying mules and a chilly evening so i was almost pleased when the 3:30 am wake up call dragged us out of our sleeping bags to start our ascent in darkness. On Oct 11th at around 8am we successfully reached the summit.....what an experience. The views were amazing and despite the chill the sun was shining and the air was decidedly thin!! As an experienced walker and regular fan of exercise i was surprised at the effect the altitude has on performance. The descent was a long and fairly arduous 9 hours on loose rock and scree but a few bruised toe nails and some aching feet later and we had all, including my 60 year old mother, made it down to the village of Imlil at the foot of the mountain. Thank the Lord for walking poles!

It is hoped that the money we have raised, which to date totals over £6,000 will purchase an electronic vision standing frame, a much needed rehabilitation aid that allows wheelchair bound residents to start standing and working on walking...providing amazing physical and psychological benefits. 
We have no idea what Stuart will achieve in terms of long term recovery but in order to maximise his potential we would love to keep supporting in the best way we can....by raising funds. Every penny we have raised goes direct to the home, the Trek we financed ourselves. If you would like to donate to the fund my justgiving page remains open at the following link

http://www.justgiving.com/Katy-McGraghan-Hall0

I am now trying to think of a challenge for 2012....all ideas gratefully received!!

For advice on getting fit prior to a challenge, whether it is a run, walk, cycle or swim or to discuss the benefits of stretching, strengthening and the use of walking poles, training aids and appropriate footwear please do not hesitate to contact the team at Barn House.

Congratulations Elizabeth

I am in denial regarding Christmas as the Advent calendars are not open so here is some Autumn news from barn house physiotherapy.

Elizabeth Lavies , a physiotherapist & pilates teacher here for 10 years has finaly given birth to a healthy baby boy, Benjamin on 11/11/11. All is well over in South Africa where the family have moved back to.