For 37-year-old mother of four, Riona Kelly, the year 2015 was marked by not just one, but two life-altering and devastating events. One left her physically paralyzed, and the other shattered her emotionally, changing the course of her life forever.
Riona’s ordeal began with a stroke that left her paralyzed from the waist down. Doctors delivered the crushing news that she might never walk again, leaving her grappling with the reality of her condition. Yet, it wasn’t just the grim prognosis that broke her spirit; it was the unexpected betrayal that followed soon after.
In an exclusive interview with The Mirror in 2017, Riona revealed the deeper layers of her tragedy. She shared that 18 months prior, she had been involved in a car accident, which may have contributed to her spinal issues. However, the real heartache struck when her husband of 14 years, Richard, filed for divorce just five days after her stroke.
Stranded in a hospital bed, paralyzed not only physically but also emotionally, Riona was engulfed by despair. “I couldn’t fathom how I would care for my four children or piece my life back together,” she recounted. “After my husband abandoned me in the hospital, it was my friend Sarah who became my next of kin. She, along with my children, were my pillars of support during my grueling recovery.”
The path to recovery was a daunting and arduous journey. Initially, the very thought of leaving her house in a wheelchair filled Riona with dread. “The first time I ventured out in a wheelchair, I hated every moment of it. I despised myself. If there had been an option to end my life, I would have taken it. I didn’t want to go on living,” she admitted with raw honesty.
Riona’s life began to change for the better when she crossed paths with Keith Mason, a former professional rugby league player. Keith stepped into her life as her personal trainer during an intensive rehabilitation program. Their bond quickly deepened, with Keith becoming a vital source of motivation and emotional support for both Riona and her children.
Under Keith’s encouragement and through countless hours of physiotherapy, Riona began to regain some of her mobility. Although she still relied on a wheelchair for long distances, the progress was undeniable. Together, Riona and Keith achieved remarkable milestones, including participating in multiple marathons, showcasing her resilience and determination.
One of the most groundbreaking aspects of Riona’s recovery was her ability to walk again, thanks to advanced technology—a bionic frame powered by artificial intelligence. This innovative device enabled her to do things she once believed were impossible. Keith frequently shared updates on Riona’s progress on social media, inspiring millions, especially during the challenging times of the COVID-19 lockdowns.
“The idea of us walking hand-in-hand around York for hours seemed like a distant dream just months ago,” Keith wrote on Twitter in 2022, alongside a heartwarming video of Riona walking with her bionic legs.
However, by 2023, it appeared that their relationship had undergone significant changes. Keith stopped posting about Riona, and while he did not delete their old photos, Riona seemed to have deactivated her social media accounts, signaling a possible end to their journey together.
Despite the changes in their relationship, Riona’s story remains an inspiring testament to resilience, determination, and the power of support in the face of adversity. Her journey continues to inspire countless individuals who have followed her progress. We wish both Riona and Keith health and happiness as they move forward, knowing they have left an indelible mark on the hearts of many with their incredible story of triumph over life’s most challenging obstacles.
