Nicola Wilson’s recovery continues as the British rider was moved this week to a spinal cord rehabilitation unit at James Cook Hospital. Nicola suffered a heavy fall on cross country at Badminton Horse Trials on May 7 with her European Championship partner, JL Dublin. The horse was uninjured in the fall.
“Today Nicola was moved into the spinal cord rehabilitation unit at the James Cook hospital,” Nicola’s team shared on her social media. “We would like to thank everyone who has been so kind on the journey so far. The transfer team were a lovely crew who called in at our home to visit the horses on their way back to Bristol , Nic obviously had a bit of horse chat in the ambulance. Dublin has his photo taken with the ambulance, which he loved!!!”
British Equestrian released the following update on May 26:
Following her fall at Badminton Horse Trials, Nicola Wilson was transferred from Southmead Hospital in Bristol to the intensive care unit at James Cook Hospital in Middlesbrough yesterday (25 May) and has subsequently now been moved to the Spinal Rehabilitation Unit there. This is one of the specialist spinal centres in the country so will enable expert support with her ongoing rehabilitation.
Although it was a long and tiring journey, Nicola is comfortable, in good spirits and is pleased to be closer to home. At this early stage Nicola’s recovery is progressing well, with sensation and movement returning to her lower and upper limbs. There will be a lengthy rehabilitation process ahead but with the support from experts, family and friends combined with her positive attitude she is in the best place to optimise her recovery.
Nicola, husband Alastair and mother Mary Tweddle would like to say a heartfelt thank you to all of the staff who has looked after her so well at Southmead Hospital in Bristol. The care and attention she has had there really has been second to none and for that they’re very grateful.
They thank everyone for the numerous cards and messages of support; each and every one is greatly appreciated.
We continue to keep Nicola in our thoughts as she fights for her recovery. We will provide further updates as they are made available.
