A paralysed ex-bodybuilder says fitness classes have brought a remarkable change to his life.
Kevin Jenkins, 62, of Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire, suffered an aortic dissection in 2023 that left him paralysed from the waist down and reliant on a wheelchair. Following 18 months of NHS physiotherapy, he joined a Lincoln-based non-profit group dedicated to making physical activity accessible for all. The program is led by former army physical trainer Rob Wilkins.
Initially, Kevin believed he would never be able to stand again, but he has since learned to transfer in and out of his wheelchair with greater independence. Rob, who also runs a gym in Vulcan Park, described spotting a need for his expertise in October 2025 after he conducted a session for a gym member with learning difficulties. His thought at the time was simple:
"Why stop there? There must be many other groups who could benefit from this too."
Over the course of hour-long sessions at the gym, Kevin gradually rebuilt his strength. He explained:
"I can now roll into the toilet in my electric wheelchair, stand up, and sit on the toilet. For three years I had to go to the toilet in bed, which was very intrusive. Now I can simply go, and that has made a huge difference to my life."
Neil Compton, a Fiskerton resident, has also seen improvements after joining the program following a motorcycle accident in 2024 that left him with paralysis in his right leg. The 54-year-old shared that basic tasks at home were once a struggle, like standing up or getting off the sofa. Now he can rise more easily and has noticed a substantial boost in strength. He even recently walked around a supermarket with a walking frame—a goal he never imagined before the sessions.
Rob’s background as a military rehabilitation instructor has shaped his approach, helping him understand what people recovering from injuries need. He noted that while military rehabilitation offers an effective framework, there was little of that structure available in everyday life after he left the service. He aimed to recreate that model and share it widely.
Rob emphasises that physical activity doesn’t have to mean intense feats like marathon running. He believes the key is simply staying active and moving the body.
