Not only did Riona survive and can now walk and exercise, but has also found a man who she loves, trusts and respects, and has a successful career. So, what happened? Let’s find out.
The tragedy
In March 2015 Riona suffered a spinal stroke. The mother of four was struck with the tragedy, out of the blue. Things got really grim when she discovered she was paralysed from the waist down and doctors told her that she will probably never walk again. At just 37 with four children and a husband, all Riona could see was darkness.
It got worse
At trying times like these people rely on their immediate family. And Riona's husband of 14 years turned out to be quite an unfortunate man as he abandoned Riona and the kids just five days after Riona's analysis, at a time when they needed him the most. When this story went viral people were horrified at Riona's husband’s behaviour especially since he left Riona with four young children to take care of in her condition.
No other family
It was reported that Riona had no near and dear ones with her except her children, now that her husband had left her. She had to rely on the hospital staff to recuperate and get back home. The only other person who helped Riona was her friend Sarah who became like family to her and helped her through the four months in the hospital.
Double trouble
While Riona reeled under the effects of her diagnosis, she also had to deal with the fact that her marriage had broken up. The physical and mental toll on her and her children were immense. She was clearly in need of some counseling but getting well physically was her first order of business, for the sake of her children at least.
She was depressed
Riona almost wanted to end her life as doctors were determined that she would never be able to walk again. But she found a will to defy it all. She began looking for someone who can help her with physical therapy so that she can at least attempt to get better. She also put up Facebook posts looking for personal trainers.
Who saved the day?
Needless to say, Riona's main priority was bouncing back from the tragedy. With four young children and her paralysis it obviously wasn't easy. Most physical therapists and trainers refused to work with her as they believed no amount of rehabilitation could make Riona walk again. That's when someone recommended the name of Keith Mason to her.
Who was Keith?
Keith was a former athlete and a star rugby league footballer. Keith was a personal trainer and took up Riona's case with special care. Riona began responding to the therapy and even showed considerable development. Needless to say, Keith and Riona formed a special bond that went beyond their training and Riona started opening up to him about her personal struggles.
A friend in need
Today Riona thanks God every day for sending Keith into her life. She revealed in an interview that she considers Keith her best friend and has probably never trusted anyone as much as she trusts Keith. Riona also said that Keith had been a tremendous mental support for her in times of crisis, which is why the relationship has survived for more than a year.
Keith - A celebrity
Keith Mason used to be a pretty big deal in the sports world. Not only has he enjoyed a 14-year career but had also played for some major leagues. He retired in 2013 and started working as a personal trainer. In fact, he also had a brush with showbiz as he starred in the popular TV series Peaky Blinders. In fact, Keith's unusual and beautiful love story made headlines all over the world.
How did Keith help?
Keith and Riona worked hard to get her back on her feet. Riona said that she was unable to walk and was dragging her feet for a very long time. She had no feeling in her legs and couldn't stand at all, and today she can walk without any support. Doctors were left awestruck at her progress especially as they had never seen anything like this before.
Her ex-say
Interestingly, Riona's ex-husband Richard has claimed that their marriage was over even before she had the stroke. In fact, he says he asked for a divorce the morning before her stroke. Even if that were true, it's a ghastly thing to abandon the kids and their mother at such a point in their lives. Riona has admitted that she was miserable in that marriage and had an unpleasant married life of 14 years with her ex.
She's back in the gym
Riona says that she is back in the gym and not only exercises every day but can walk at a steady pace. Although she doesn't cover long distances without her wheelchair, her progress in just two years has been awe-inspiring. Though she will always have certain issues with her nerves and muscles, she can work out like a regular person and has even posted pictures of her lifting weights at the gym.
How she fell in love
Riona says Keith not only fixed her physically but also helped her find her spirit and her confidence. She has also admitted that Keith is the one who told her that she could do anything she wanted to, from modeling to running a business, there's no limit for her if she finds a will to do something.
She's expecting again
It was announced last September that Riona is pregnant with her and Keith's child. The baby is due this May, and has brought a miraculous wave of joy into Keith and Riona's life.
Charity
Riona has also started her charity called Go Pink which focuses on fitness, health, diets and also works with people with physical disabilities. In fact, after her story got out, Riona and Keith have been asked to be the faces of several important global charities.
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