This is my story!
Toby Richardson
This is my story!
How my story began
I normally tell everyone I was bitten by a Shark!
It sounds way cooler than I have Cancer.
In June of 2021 at the age of just 11, my world was turned upside down. Initially complaining of backache and chest pain, I was miss diagnosed and referred for physiotherapy treatment.
I loved sports, especially rugby, playing in my local Under 11’s team meant aches and bruises were nothing unusual. However, after a short period of time, I struggled to stand, my condition rapidly deteriorated and within 24 hours, I had completely lost control of my lower body, it was at that point I was rushed to Great Western Hospital in Swindon. An emergency MRI scan revealed a previously undetected tumor, which had developed in and around my spinal cord which spanned two-thirds the length of my spine. I was immediately blue-lighted to the John Radcliffe Hospital for specialist treatment where surgeons took the decision to perform immediate emergency surgery. This involved removing sections of vertebrae from my spine, T3 to T6, to relieve the pressure on the spinal cord. After a grueling 8-hour operation, they removed 70% of the tumor but felt that the remaining 30% was too risky to touch. The type of Cancer I have means I'm pre-disposed to growing tumors in my central nervous system. After the operation, I spent 3 months’ rehabilitation in hospital and defied the original long-term prognosis that I would never regain any use of the lower half of my body. My determination, combined with excellent care from family and hospital staff, saw me gradually rebuild strength, everyone in my team were blown away when i managed a small step.
When I returned home I started searching to see what sports I could do. As I had previously played rugby the obvious choice was wheelchair rugby, I found a local club which unfortunately folded. I then found Cheltenham Tigers, its an absolutely fantastic team!
I also had the opportunity to join Team GB youth development program.
A positive changing point for me was when I received a zoom call from Nathan Maguire, the world-renowned British wheelchair racer who has won multiple medals at both the 2018 and 2021 World Para Athletic and European Championships. Whilst chatting, Nathan showed me his Paralympic gold medals, I knew instantly i wanted one!
That zoom call truly transformed my life!
I started racing and became obsessed with the sport, I love going fast so for me it was the perfect sport. I love competing in 100m, 400m and 800m wheelchair sprints. My main goal is to compete at the next Commonwealth games and Paralympics and I hope to represent Team GB one day!
I am also hoping to get my World classification soon to take my racing career to the next level.
I am also committed to personal training sessions, a crucial step toward achieving my Paralympic dreams. This schedule is more than just a routine—it’s a testament to the hard work and dedication required to compete at the highest level. George my personal trainer has said
"he shows real dedication to his sessions and I enjoy the challenge of finding new and different ways to train him. His commitment is a reflection on how he has embraced his new challenges".
I am now being personally coached by Micky Bushell MBE, a renowned Paralympian who has represented Team GB around the world. Mickey envisions me not only competing abroad next year (2025) but also hoping to go to the Paralympics in LA in 2028.
"With the dedication, commitment and times he is already showing, he will be a true champion in wheelchair racing".
Mickey started coaching me from June 2024 where I was currently reaching 19.36 seconds in 100m wheelchair sprints. With a different training style to my previous coach and refining my skills a little bit, I have reached an impressive 16.73 seconds in 100m wheelchair sprints this season. That's a massive 2.63 seconds off in just 3 months!
I am truly looking forward to next season !
