Hamish Ramsden

CatWalk talks to Hamish Ramsden

CW:  What has caused you to be in a chair and when did it occur?

HR:   I was farming on the family farm when I was charged by a cow whilst tagging her calf, in October 1994, causing a dislocation of C5/C6 vertebrae.

CW:  Are you a paraplegic or tetraplegic?

HR:  Tetraplegic

CW:  Have you had any surgery that you think has been of particular benefit e.g. Steel rods?

HR:  Unfortunately all the surgery I’ve had (tendon transfers, FES) has been of minimal benefit.

CW:  What is your gym/work out regime?

HR:  I try to do as much as I can, at least 3-4 days per week of 45 minutes on the Saratoga (hand-cycle), 20 minutes weights, 1 hour standing per day.

CW:  Who or what has been your key support i.e. Medical and personal?

HR:  My parents Graham & Sally, my brothers Andy & Jeremy and their wives Nicky & Amanda, my daughter Tessa and my partner Nadine.

CW:  Tell us about your job.

HR:  I do various things including being a company director, office administrator, writer, and the facilitator of the patient education groups at the Burwood Spinal Unit.

CW:  Have you had to make any specific alterations to the work place and/or home?

HR:  Having just shifted (again!) alterations included wet area shower, lift, ramps, accessible desk & office.

CW:  What has been one of your most satisfying achievements since being in a chair?

HR:  Seeing my daughter grow into a beautiful, caring person.

CW:  Is there anything else you think may be of interest to our readers?

HR:  Yeah, Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff!

Hamish Ramsden is part of the CatWalk team in Christchurch, who are planning the big fundraising event for 2008
… more information on this fantastic event soon!