September 8, 2014

Brain injured man ends 150 mile walking challenge at Blenheim Palace

An Oxfordshire man who suffered a severe brain injury when he was 14, has successfully completed a 10 month challenge, walking 150 miles to raise money for the charities closest to his heart.

Martin Black of Long Hanborough walked the last mile of his 150 mile challenge on Saturday (6 September) in the grounds of Blenheim Palace.

Martin Black accompanied by friends and family members at the end of his 150 mile walking challenge in the grounds of Blenheim Palace

Martin, 37, was joined by around 50 family members, friends and supporters for the final mile. Like Martin, many of them are part of Silverlining Oxford, a charity dedicated to helping brain injured people forge friendships and run charitable activities and community events for the benefit of other Silverliners.

They wore T-shirts bearing the words ‘With Me’ which is the title of a song Martin composed and which they sang on the day.

“It felt amazing to finally reach the end of my challenge,” said Martin. “I’ve really enjoyed my walks although many of them were very muddy, particularly in the winter months. I’m now looking forward to presenting cheques to the hospital which cared for me when I was 14 and the horse and trap group which I am part of. It’s nice to be able to give something back after everything they’ve done for me.”

Martin has raised over £600 for Tadworth Court Children’s Hospital in Surrey and Carriage driving for the Disabled in Aston Oxfordshire.

In February 1992, when Martin was 14, he suffered a stroke and brain damage as a result of severe diabetic ketoacidosis – a potentially life-threatening complication in patients with diabetes. His clinical negligence case was settled by Oxford law firm Withy King who continue to work closely with Martin in managing and administrating his compensation trust fund.

Withy King in association with Silverlining Oxford has commissioned a film featuring several remarkable people to show what can be achieved after brain injury and how compensation can be used to help victims of negligent medical treatment rebuild happy and fulfilled lives. Martin is an active Silverliner and his walk at Blenheim Palace, together with other community-based activities, will be featured in the film.

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