Inspirational Eglinton woman opens accessible gym

Jennifer Smyth from Eglinton was a competitive talented gymnast who trained over 20 hours a week.

However, her life changed dramatically after a tragic accident while training left her paralysed.

Speaking to the County Derry Post Jennifer reflected on her journey saying: “In gymnastics I did all four events. Beam, floor, bars, vault. It was during a regular training session when I was 16 in 2013 when I had my accident. I was practising my vault and had a complete freak accident. Nobody really knows what went wrong.

"Whatever way I landed I managed to break and dislocate my neck. Initially I was paralysed from the neck down and then throughout my rehab journey I was able to gain back the movement in my arms. I am still a full-time wheelchair user but I have just about recovered enough to be up and mobile. Having a disability affects every part of my life. I have PA’s that come and help me up in the morning, get me breakfast and take me to the gym. They do mostly everything for me. It isn't easy but we make it work.”

Since her accident Jennifer has been committed to creating her own custom gym for those with disabilities as a form of not only exercise but socialisation.

The project took a total of ten years and was a labour of hard work and personal dedication from Jennifer.
“With my injury I found that I couldn’t go to a gym that would fully meet my needs. So I decided to create a gym that would suit not only me but others with similar disabilities. As well as regular gym equipment we have specialised equipment able to suit the needs of a lot of different disabilities.”

Jennifer says the opening has been “going good” and there has been a lot of interest in the facility.

“I hope the gym will continue to grow and go from strength to strength,” she added.

Gym user Jenni King gave her approval saying: “Its the most incredibly brilliant gym. It is not only top of the range but when you are there its the most welcoming, friendly, supportive, and non-judgemental gym l've ever been to.”

If you wish to find out more you can visit @Jenn’s Gym on Facebook or the website jennsgym.co.uk