Sian Wood

Sian is one of our wheelchair users and a massive character. Sian suffered a car accident a few years back which left her with a severe brain injury. Sian attends sailability sessions at the Active Nation sailing centre in Southampton and is passionate about sailing and developing new skills. Sian's progress in sailing is incredible and just highlights how sailing is for all and she has become somewhat of an ambassador. At first when Sian started sailing she was unable to support herself in a boat, but after weeks of sailing and huge amounts of determination in what have been sunny, wet, windy and cold conditions, Sian's muscles have strengthened so much that she can now help to hold herself up, even her physiotherapist has commented on the development. Sian is a breath of fresh air and when out sailing will make the instructors laugh with her humour and positive attitude and have the same affect on other supporters, making it clear that no matter what your disability you can achieve no matter what. Recently at the centre HRH Princess Anne came to visit and Sian in preparation worked hard over the weeks coming up to be able to stand up from her wheelchair with little support and curtsey. If we were to sum up Sian at the centre and highlight why we are nominating her, it would be due to her infectious personality, bounds of determination and her overall attitude towards life and having fun!