Last year Ross Mallinson was blind and paralysed – now he’s won a major sporting prize!
The 27-year-old from Crosland Moor suffered neuromyelitis optica (NMO) 16 months ago and thought he would never see or walk again.
But while he’s still on medication, Mr Mallinson joined Crosland Moor teammate John Greenhalgh to win Huddersfield crown green bowling’s Meltham Cup Pairs competition.
“The problem started in March last year and by April I was in hospital in Calderdale, completely blind and paralysed and on an intravenous drip,” said Ross, a spray painter who has just joined the Yorkshire Ambulance Service.
“By June I never thought I would be able to play again, and the neurologist didn’t know if my vision or walking would come back because the condition affects everyone differently.
“Thankfully, my sight slowly started to come back and by July I could see again, which was a massive relief, obviously.
“At the time it wasn’t my legs that really bothered me, it was the fact I couldn’t see, but thankfully they caught it in time.”
Things are now going well, however, and Ross and partner Rebecca Sidle – who has supported him all the way – have just moved into a new home in Crosland Moor after eight years together and he’s now awaiting a station to take up his ambulance duties.
“They can never tell whether NMO is going to come back again – it can’t be 100% guaranteed – so it’s just a matter of trying to hold off the attacks,” added Ross, who has to visit a specialist in Liverpool every six months.
“I’m on medicine and keep having to go back to the neurologist and to have scans, but I’m feeling fine and just taking things as they come.”
NMO is an incurable but treatable autoimmune disorder, whereby the body’s immune system attacks its own healthy cells, most commonly in the optic nerves and spinal chord.
There are only around 100,000 sufferers in the world.
In the Meltham Cup Pairs, Ross and John Greenhalgh, who were previously teammates at Milnsbridge, beat Jack Dyson and Paul Ingleby of Netherton Con 21-17 in the final.
Ross, who joined Crosland Moor with Greenhalgh two years ago, has been bowling since the age of 11 and was a junior teammate of Mr Dyson’s at Thorpe Green WMC.
NMO FACTFILE
Neuromyelitis optica (NMO), also known as Devic’s disease, is a rare neurological condition.
Neurological conditions are caused by disease or damage to the brain, spinal cord or nerves.
NMO most commonly affects the optic nerves and spinal cord, which can lead to optic neuritis and transverse myelitis
Each person with NMO will experience different symptoms and require individually tailored care and support.
Symptoms of NMO include muscle weakness – reduced strength in one or more muscles that can affect mobility,impaired eyesight and nerve pain
