Amelia Hill 

Richard Marsh gives first interview about locked-in syndrome

Post your questions for rare survivor of condition that made Californian a prisoner in his own body
  
  


In 2009, Richard Marsh was given a 2% chance of survival. A stroke had left him aware and awake but unable to move or speak.

A former police officer and teacher, who had loved life and been at the top of his physical game, Marsh found himself a prisoner in his own body. He had full cognitive awareness but an almost complete paralysis of nearly all the voluntary muscles in his body.

He had locked-in syndrome. A condition for which there is no treatment or cure. It is extremely rare for sufferers to recover any significant motor functions. About 90% die within four months of its onset.

Four months and nine days later, Marsh walked out of his long-term care facility. Now, he goes to the gym every day and cooks meals for his wife and children. He has recovered 95% of his functionality. Last month, he bought a bicycle, which he rides around Napa Valley, Californa, where he lives.

Marsh has never publicly spoken about his experiences before. But later on Monday, he will be talking to me via Skype. We'll post the interview on the Guardian website.

What questions do you have for Marsh: what would you like to know and learn from this remarkable man?

 

Leave a Comment

Required fields are marked *

*

*