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Airport bombing victim completes Brussels 20km

11:29 30/05/2018

A woman who was severely injured in the 2016 Brussels Airport bombing - and has been in hospital ever since - has successfully completed the Brussels 20km.

Karen Northshield, who has undergone more than 50 operations in the past two years, completed the route in a wheelchair in 1 hour 40 minutes with her team of helpers.

"It's a test I set myself,' she told RTBF. "It's a real challenge. I'm still in the hospital and it's my first big outing in two years."

On 22 March 2016 the former swimming and yoga coach was at the check-in desk at Zaventem airport when a bomb exploded in the departure hall at 7.58. Northshield, now 32, has been in a hospital room ever since.

"I'm deaf in my left ear and can't hear well in my right. I have digestive problems since I have no stomach and no spleen, but my biggest injuries are in my left leg: part of my hip has disappeared, and I can not walk," she said to RTBF last year.

With the support of her team, safety precautions were set beforehand to reduce any chance of falls, accidents or medical setbacks.

She is determined to do the race again next year. About 1,500 people with reduced mobility took part in this year's race.

Written by Hannah Rodriguez

Comments

adi

Great proof of courage and motivation. Congratulation and wish you next year will be another opportunity to make this wish come true again

Jun 1, 2018 20:29