Man paralysed from neck down rows for charity

A man who is paralysed from the neck down has completed a rowing challenge in aid of the rehabilitation charity that helped him rebuild his life.

Rob Camm, 32, from Berkeley in Gloucestershire, rowed 5km to raise money for Neurokinex in Almondsbury, near Bristol, which provides free rehabilitation for people diagnosed with a spinal cord injury.

Camm is only able to move his head and shrug his shoulders after he suffered serious injuries in a car crash in 2013 and completed the challenge using a custom made machine.

"Enjoying life can still go on, all the achievements and things can still happen. It takes amazing strength though but I enjoy pushing myself and seeing what I can do," he said.

Camm used a rowing machine made from an upside-down bicycle for the challenge and propelled himself back and forth wearing specialist gloves using only his neck and shoulder muscles.

"It's very hard just using your shoulders and neck to do it rather than your legs and back. It's a very different experience," he said.

Camm has completed a series of endurance and adventure challenges, including climbing Snowdon, completing Tough Mudder events and taking part in an abseil and canoe expedition.

His father, Ian, said his determination had never diminished.

"Robert was always keen on sport and going to the gym, and this is what he can do now," he said.

"He's going to push himself and his neck will be sore afterwards, but that's nothing compared with some of the things he's done. He is amazing."

Camm said staying active had become an important part of his life.

"Just exercising in any form is important to me," he said.

"I was always very keen on exercising and being fit before my injury, so it's good to keep doing that and keep myself as fit and active as I can."

Gemma Everson, a neurorehabilitation specialist at Neurokinex, said the charity helps people adjust to life after a spinal injury.

"What we do is give people hope of physical recovery, but also a community for them to join," she said.

"We give them the best chance of a great life after spinal cord injury."

Follow BBC Gloucestershire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.