Hamish Ramsden

CatWalk talks to Hamish Ramsden
CW:Â What has caused you to be in a chair and when did it occur?
HR: Â 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:Â Are you a paraplegic or tetraplegic?
HR:Â Tetraplegic
CW:Â 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:Â What is your gym/work out regime?
HR:Â 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:Â Who or what has been your key support i.e. Medical and personal?
HR:Â My parents Graham & Sally, my brothers Andy & Jeremy and their wives Nicky & Amanda, my daughter Tessa and my partner Nadine.
CW:Â Tell us about your job.
HR:Â 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:Â Have you had to make any specific alterations to the work place and/or home?
HR:Â Having just shifted (again!) alterations included wet area shower, lift, ramps, accessible desk & office.
CW:Â What has been one of your most satisfying achievements since being in a chair?
HR:Â Seeing my daughter grow into a beautiful, caring person.
CW:Â 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!
