Gym Member Profile: Sharon Jones-Barnes
Sharon
I’m 44 years old and I was born in Hackney. One of my best achievements to date was to represent England in the 4 Nations Disabled Badminton Championship 2008 in Cardiff. I came back with 2 silver medals, together with winning the sheild for Top Female Player of the Championship. That made it so special for me because I’ve come a long way.
How it started was back in December 2006 when I was able-bodied. I ended up with an amputation of the right leg, then a stroke in my spinal cord resulting in paralysis from the neck down, and to top that, a heart attack. This has changed my life, in the sense that I have to face things differently and having to now cope with my disabilities.
I feel so blessed and privileged to have the opportunity to achieve this. Now I will be working towards the 2012 Paralympics. Ability Bow has helped me reach this stage. Since attending and following a special programme that is tailored to my abilities, I feel I have become a lot stronger in my arms and leg. I stay motivated and encouraged by staff there, who are so cool!
My background in Badminton for the disabled originates from April 2008 when I met disabilities Badminton coach Herman Fung. I had fun learning and playing wheelchair Badminton with Herman, and he was the one who encouraged me to play because he helps me accept who I am with encouragement and self achievement.
Testimonials
Grace
“Ability gym can help everyone to improve. I feel stronger and more confident. I love it!”
Grace, 25
“Since joining the gym I have found my mobility has improved greatly after having had a stroke. I’ve met some lovely people in the same position as myself who have a positive outlook on life now, due to encouragement from staff and each other. Please help us to keep improving!!”
Joe, 75
“I had a stroke 1 year ago and am confined to a wheelchair. I have right side paralysis. Since coming to Ability Bow gym for the past few months I have walked for the first time since my stroke. I come twice a week to see an instructor on a one-to-one basis.”
Eileen, 68
Joe
“I lost my husband and mother in the last few years and I sank into a depression. Going to Ability has helped me get back my confidence. Instead of sitting at home stagnating I am here meeting people and getting fit at the same time. Having never been inside a gym before the staff put me at ease and have just been so good I cannot praise them enough.”
Sheila, 57
“I like Ability Bow gym because they help people, the elderly and disabled. I’ve lost weight and my clothes are looser. I like relaxing away from the kids and I have met and mixed with other members. This is the first gym I have used.”
Mosal, 30
“We refer 50% of our clients here to continue their maintenance programmes. The Ability gym is our key collaboration partner and a key player in enabling our clients through self-management. It is the only satisfactory gym for its accessibility for our disabled clients who are often financially strained as well. “
Joanne Mak, physiotherapist at St. Leonard’s hospital
