Newry amputee says sport gave her 'second chance at life'

A Newry mum who lost her leg and both her breasts is crediting sport with giving her 'a second chance at life.'

Rosie Tennyson's leg was amputated in 2016 due to a rare condition and she was diagnosed with breast cancer two years later and since had a double mastectomy.

Speaking at a sports day for amputees organised by the Belfast health trust, Rosie told us she is now training for a triathlon:

"I just fell in love with sport it has got me back into a good mindset.

"I was really down, there were really dark days, it can be quite depressing being there thinking that your life is over and you're in pain and then getting back into sport and just realising that you can achieve things really helps.

"Sport is very important, it's very good for the mind, it's a natural antidepressant, it gets your endorphins up, it can take you out of the lowest place and gives you a sense of self as well and determination."

The sports ‘try out’ day hosted by the Belfast Trust was for those who attend the Amputee Rehabilitation Centre at Musgrave Park Hospital.

It was a free event for patients from across Northern Ireland who have been treated by the Rehabilitation Centre staff.

Belfast Trust Rehabilitation Consultant Lorraine Graham said: “We recognise that participating in sport provides a mechanism for healthier living, meeting new friends, achievement of personal goals and provides physical and mental benefits.”

“The aim of the event is to let our service users know what is out there, because having prosthetic limbs or being a wheelchair user shouldn’t discourage anyone from taking part in sport.”

A wide range of sports was available to experience including bowling, golf, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair tennis, inclusive cycling, wheelchair hurling and badminton.

Marty Lavery from Dungannon also attended.

The 58-year-old lost his left leg after falling from scaffolding in 2016 and has since taken part in multiple disability sports.

He is encouraging others to do the same:

"Mentally it does get to you at the start, it's not good for the mind, you could feel sorry for yourself but I didn't let it beat me, I got out there and I've a second chance at life.

"Life's for living and sport's a big part of it."