Fitness Mom Paralyzed for Life After Heavy Gym Barbell Crushed Her Spine

Henrietta Paxton on wheelchair.Photo byKennedy News and Media.

In an instant, life can change forever. For 40-year-old physical education (PE) teacher Henrietta Paxton from England, this became a harsh reality when a routine workout turned into a nightmare in 2024, leaving her paralyzed from the waist down.

The Unfortunate Incident

Henrietta, an avid athlete and former Commonwealth Games pole vaulter, was no stranger to heavy lifting. But in May of this year, a typical squat set went tragically wrong. The barbell she was lifting slipped backward, landing behind her shoulders. In her attempt to regain balance, she overcompensated, propelling herself forward, and was ultimately crushed under the weight.

“It was the most terrifying moment of my life,” Henrietta recalls. “There was a massive thud. A huge thud, as I felt my back break. I knew immediately what had happened.”

Rushed to Southampton General Hospital, scans revealed a broken spine and damage to her spinal cord. The diagnosis was devastating: paralysis from the waist down. Despite immediate surgery to fuse five vertebrae, doctors were blunt – the damage to her spinal cord could not be undone.

Dislocated spine of Henrietta Paxton.Photo byKennedy News and Media.

Reflecting on the Cause

In hindsight, Henrietta acknowledges a critical oversight. She typically used a squat safety bar, a piece of equipment designed to help offload weight safely during squats. But the gym where she was training that day lacked this essential safety feature.

“I just didn’t think much of it at the time, but looking back, it was a ridiculous decision. Squatting without safety bars is something I’d advise against now. Always use them,” she urged.

The Road to Recovery

Following her surgery, Henrietta spent six weeks in the hospital before being transferred to the Spinal Treatment Centre in Salisbury.

While she has come to terms with the likelihood that she may never walk again, she remains steadfast in her determination to regain as much mobility as possible. Every day, she uses a standing frame to keep her lower body strong and prevent further muscle atrophy.

Her days now revolve around physical therapy, adapting to life in a wheelchair, and working out her upper body in the gym. Though she continues to experience significant discomfort and pain, Henrietta’s love for fitness persists. She is even contemplating taking up adaptive sports like wheelchair basketball or rugby.

"I've always been driven by my love for sports. Even after retiring from pole vaulting due to a knee injury, I knew I’d always stay active. This accident won’t change that. I still have so much left to accomplish.”

Adapting to a New Normal

Henrietta’s life now revolves around learning new skills and adapting to challenges she never anticipated. Tasks that once seemed routine, like getting dressed or moving around the house, now require significant effort.

“You don’t realize how much you take for granted until it’s gone,” she explained. “Things like pulling up your shorts or simply going to the bathroom – nothing is quick anymore.”

Her biggest hurdle, however, is her home. The three-story townhouse she shares with her family is far from wheelchair accessible. To make it livable, extensive renovations are needed, including a platform lift, a through-floor lift, and bathroom modifications. These adaptations are estimated to cost upwards of £230,000.

To cover these costs, Henrietta has launched a JustGiving page, appealing to friends, family, and the public for support. With no government grants available for such renovations, she is left to rely on the generosity of others to make her home accessible and to fund additional private rehab.

An Unstoppable Spirit

Despite the enormity of the challenges ahead, Henrietta remains optimistic and motivated. Her two young sons, aged three and five, are a constant source of inspiration. She refuses to let her accident define their future or limit their experiences as a family.

“I need to be back with my family, for my boys. I don’t want their lives to be overshadowed by my mistake. I want to give them the best opportunities, just like before.”

Her tenacity and refusal to give up have earned her admiration from all who know her. Though the road ahead is long, Henrietta’s fighting spirit shines through in everything she does.

“Life goes on, and I’m going to be a part of it. This injury won’t hold me back.”

Henrietta Paxton’s story is a powerful reminder of the unpredictability of life and the strength of the human spirit. Despite the accident that forever altered her world, her resolve remains unshaken. With the support of her family, friends, and community, she is determined to reclaim as much of her independence as possible, proving that no setback, however life-changing, can extinguish the will to persevere.