Local greats raise money for local girl, Kadeena Cox
Kadeena Cox is a young woman, 23 years of age and originally from Leeds and a former Wetherby High School pupil, but currently studying physiotherapy at Manchester University. She is a national standard athlete who has struggled to break through onto the international scene. On 20th May 2014, after competing at the Loughborough international competition, she was rushed to hospital after experiencing some odd symptoms and was diagnosed with a suspected stroke. Just 2 months later she managed to get herself close to her normal condition, with the support and guidance of her physiotherapist, Karren. Then came another massive blow. On 15 September 2014 she had a burning sensation in her arm. The following days it worsened to tingling and numbness in the whole arm, then to her leg. She was rushed to hospital again with another suspected stroke. After extensive tests Kadeena, sadly, was diagnosed with the lifelong condition of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Since her diagnosis there have been a lot of ups and downs, but one thing has remained constant. She is determined that MS will not win. She has created a web site entitled, http://www.kadeenacox.co.uk and as stated on the site she says “MS is just a bully that I defeat every morning, when I get up. I’ve created this website to help raise awareness of the condition and share my ongoing story. Take a look around, and feel free to get in touch, I’d love to hear from you”. Dean Buckle from the Wetherby Bike Shack has responded by designing and building a racing bike for Kadeena. Catherine Buono of Sant’ Angelo’s Italian Restaurant, just opposite, was also keen to help. The Wetherby Lions Club, who had recently raised £250 at a tribute evening at Sant’ Angelo’s, decided to donate the proceeds towards the cost of the bike, which Dean has so generously provided. Kadeena is determined to continue her training, with the objective of competing in the 2016 Summer Paralympics, to be held in Rio De Janerio, Brazil from the 7th to the 18th of September. We wish her every success.
