Abseiling down the TT Tower would be a simple achievement for many of us but for those living with a neurological condition like Multiple Sclerosis, it’s a challenge they couldn’t even contemplate. But Lizzy Main from Pilates Isle of Man decided it was a challenge worth facing and recently went ‘over the top’ on behalf of the local branch of the Multiple Sclerosis Society, and raised over ?550 which will remain here on the Island to support those with the condition.
This was her way of thanking the MS Society and the local branch for its support of her Pilates and exercise classes which she runs from her bespoke studio in Peel.
“I was awarded a bursary from the MS Society in the UK to attend a ‘Pilates for Neurological Conditions’ training course in Dublin,” Lizzy says, “and this give me the knowledge, skills and expertise to work closely with clients with MS, Parkinson’s, epilepsy, chronic pain, stroke and head trauma. The local branch covered my travel expenses, so taking part in their 40th anniversary Abseil last month was the least I could do!”
Lizzy’s exercises follow the principles of Pilates, focusing on balance, strength, stamina, flexibility and stability, whilst also directing attention to issues such as gait, spasticity, weakness and fatigue, which are particularly common in neurological conditions.
“When I opened up in Peel three years ago, I knew that although I wanted it to be a light, comfortable and welcoming studio for all my clients, it was also important for it to be completely accessible for wheelchair users and those with other walking aids,” continues Lizzy, “and now, at last, I have disabled parking right outside the door too. Thanks to the support from the MS Society I am able to teach those with neurological conditions across many of my classes, including the weekly seated exercise class, and because I’m a qualified instructor of Pilates for Neurological Conditions – the only one on the Island - I can also do individual sessions with people who have specific needs.”
She was sponsored for the abseil by clients from all her classes: “The Island is a very generous place, and my clients are some of the most generous of all,” says Lizzie. “Although I’ve done abseils before, nothing prepared me for climbing over the railings at the top of the TT Tower. That was terrifying, but the thought of paying ?557 back to some very unimpressed sponsors if I’d chickened out was even scarier!”
Photo - Lizzy presenting a cheque to MS Society chairman, Derek Patience on the day of the abseil (more money came in after this cheque was presented).
