There is something very special about Karen Jones, it’s the way she carries herself and the positivity that rolls off her.

Her message: Nothing can stop you from living the life you want to live.

But meeting this lady now, you would never suspect that she has been through major trauma only 6 years ago. Karen was left with a broken spine and pelvis after a car accident that also resulted in a brain injury.

Since then, Karen has made major progress in her recovery and in recent times has discovered Sport Canterbury's Green Prescription programme, which has aided her further along this journey.

She first heard about Green Prescription through a friend four years ago but was re- introduced to it through her sister who was working with Ethan Campbell, a Physical Health Advisor based in the East of Christchurch.

Starting with swimming, Karen then signed up for the ‘Be Active’ programme, an 8-week course that is for people wanting to increase their level of physical activity.

In the beginning, she was apprehensive about the programme; “I was hesitant at first because I’m a very shy person, but I soon felt comfortable as everybody there makes you feel so at ease - they are real people who genuinely care.”

Since the beginning of ‘Be Active’, Karen has seen improvements in her confidence, balance and has learnt a lot about nutrition and healthier choices. “I used to have to walk with a cane, but I don’t use it anymore”

Her motivation for wanting to share her story is simple:

“Keeping active, out in nature, has been the best medicine for me. I wanted to do it for myself and for other people out there with brian injuries – get out there and live life.”

There are still bad days and it’s not always smooth sailing, but Karen makes sure to keep up with her new routine. “On a bad day, I make sure to get to the gym, go swimming or do something physical, it always makes me feel so much better.”

Her focus now is to spread the word about Green Prescription and all that she has learned. “It’s part of why I am telling my story, people need to know there is help out there”

As for the one takeaway she wants people to remember: “If you don’t use it, you’ll lose it” – which she adds, “Is a saying that truly resonates with me.”

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