Shaun Cook entered the STEPS Rehabilitation facility in June 2019 to begin an intensive six-week program of rehabilitation after sustaining a life-changing spinal cord injury in a motorbike accident in April 2018. Prior to his injury, Shaun had never given much thought to competitive sport, but losing the ability to work while he recovered left him craving the routine his job provided.
Following his discharge from STEPS Rehabilitation, Shaun was introduced to kayaking, and quickly developed a love for the sport. It became a core part of Shaun’s recovery, serving as a tool to give him mental clarity and help him focus on managing his life as paraplegic.
After a great deal of training, and with the encouragement of para specialist coach Tim Scott, Shaun was finally ready to enter his first championship canoeing event. This kicked off a string of international sporting wins.
Shaun won gold medals at the International Va’a Federation World Distance Championships in Samoa in 2022 and the International Canoe Federation World Marathon Championships in Denmark in 2023.
To compete at the level he aspires to, Shaun needed the right equipment.
He had his sights set on the para Va’a Outrigger Canoe, that had all the right features to ensure comfort, balance and support, with an advanced, lightweight design to optimise competitive performance.
To support Shaun’s goals, the STEPS Rehabilitation Foundation raised the funds needed to pay for the canoe. The Foundation strives to enhance the recovery process for those impacted by serious injuries, so delivering this project was incredibly rewarding for the trust. Working closely with each individual, the Foundation provides necessary funding for support and services that are crucial for their unique needs.
This para canoe is a key component in Shaun’s recovery journey, keeping him on track to pursue what matters to him and achieve new heights.
Reflecting on the impact the sport has had on his life, Shaun said:
This December we are launching our flagship Christmas appeal – Christmas Charity Stars for STEPS – where will be wrapping the STEPS Rehabilitation centre in Sheffield in a head-to-toe light installation with cascading lights and stars of different sizes and heights. It will be breathtaking and provide festive cheer to hundreds of clients, visitors and staff.
