A 13-year old teenager from Wootton is on the road to recovery with the help of Robinson Pools and Fitness after he suffered a life-changing stroke during surgery to remove a brain tumour.
In August 2024, Kayden Douglas-Imasuen was diagnosed with a brain tumour at Bedford Hospital, and then blue-lighted to Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge, where he underwent surgery to treat the tumour.
During a second operation, he suffered a stroke, leaving him with life-changing injuries, including partial paralysis affecting the right side of his body and sight impairment.
Treatment continued during an inpatient stay at University College Hospital in London, where Kayden underwent proton craniospinal irradiation (CSI) and rehabilitation.
Just four days before Christmas 2024, he was discharged and able to return home.
“His determination is inspiring”
Since then, Kayden has began a vast programme of neuro rehabilitation with a team of therapists at The Children’s Trust; a leading charity for children with acquired brain injury.
Looking for somewhere with the space and equipment to help Kayden complete the programme, his parents enrolled him in a junior gym membership at Robinson Pools and Fitness.
Working alongside his dad, Kayden now carries out his physiotherapy and occupational therapy exercises at Robinson Pools and Fitness, where fitness trainer, Nick Taylor supports them by helping them use the equipment safely.
“It’s been a privilege to watch Kayden’s journey”, said Nick.
“When he first started, our priority was helping him and his dad become familiar with the equipment and making sure every exercise could be completed safely.
“Following the programme provided by his therapists, he now uses a range of different equipment including resistance and cardio equipment to build his strength, balance and coordination.
“Every week you can see him getting stronger and more confident. His determination is inspiring, and it’s fantastic to see the progress he’s made.”
Kayden’s progress has also attracted the attention of his rehabilitation team.
So impressed by his physical development, his physiotherapist and occupational therapist arranged a gym session at a Better gym in Surrey to observe him completing his exercise programme in a fitness environment.
The session demonstrated how accessible gym facilities can play a valuable role in supporting paediatric neuro-rehabilitation, reinforcing the positive impact regular exercise has had on Kayden’s recovery.
“An exceptional young man”
“Kayden is an exceptional young man with huge determination to be the best he can be with his new self”, added Kayden’s physio, Anusha Mistry.
“In physiotherapy and occupational therapy, we admired his resilience to succeed with the many new challenges he faced both physically and mentally after his brain injury.
“We would work hard to achieve his goals together but always finish on a high of shooting some hoops and causing a lot of mischief together”, added Occupational therapist, Latika Guroodita.
“After everything Kayden went through from his diagnosis in August 2024 and the stroke during surgery, seeing him back in the gym means everything to us as a family”, said Kayden’s mum, Lizzie Douglas.
“We are so grateful to his amazing physiotherapist, Anusha and occupational therapist Latika at The Children’s Trust who created his home exercise programme and have supported his rehabilitation so brilliantly.”
And the main man, Kayden is also thankful for the support he receives, gaining in strength as the days go by.
“I like going to the gym with my dad to get stronger, and thank you to Anusha and Latika for helping me”, he added.
