Mose Masoe’s battle to walk again is familiar but he has the attitude to achieve it
I MUST admit, much of what Mose Masoe said to me felt strangely familiar after learning to walk again myself, which I suppose I still am doing.
And despite the frustrations of not being able to do what he was able to just four months ago, his positive attitude shone through.
Just putting one foot in front of the other sounds easy, does it not? Well, let me tell you there is much more goes into walking than you think.
Muscle wastage after lying in bed for weeks on end – Mose 20kgs, myself more like 35kgs – makes even the most simple act a gruelling thing.
Throw in nerve damage in my case and it was perhaps understandable why my left leg shot out and I ended up kneeing my female physio, who was moving my leg, in the head! I am still apologetic now.
Then it is a case of how you place your foot? What effects can getting it wrong have? Can your core muscles support your body? What about going downstairs or downhill?
Sure there are days when it does not seem to go right. I should know, I have had enough of them.
But focusing on where you want to go and what you want to do is the key. Wallowing in self-pity gets nobody anywhere.
Unwavering support from Hull KR, especially Sue Thompson from the player welfare department – whose work goes largely unnoticed, the Rugby Football League’s benevolent fund and fans of all sides is almost like an extra support to lean on.
Just not too much leaning, Mose, as I am sure you already know!