We all know it… Sore muscles can be a common issue for many of us in sport, most athletes regularly attend a physio to maintain themselves, but it seems the equestrian industry is a different breed when it comes to this. Instead we continue, with aches and pains, especially of the ignoring or brushing it off because there's so many more...
The story of our life at the moment, especially with the wobbly health and weather both tied into each other. After all, it is January though, so we won't be dwelling on that for very long. So far this month, there's been a few times where we've changed plans, had to reschedule riding, get our hopes up and set our sights on a new goal. We're ...
A fun beginning to our show here at ARENA UK SHOW Centre - I started my TPN tube feeds at lunchtime (which is a rarity to do it so early!) so they would finish at 6am, ready to compete first thing in the morning. - I'm only a morning person if we have the whole day before to plan and prepare my medical regime! Daisy had a silly stop in our cl...
A very very wet start with torrential rain for our last day here at ARENA UK SHOW Centre- we managed some tight turns, took a stride out down the distance (accidentally!) and kept the pace up…to be honest I think Daisy was in her element!Swipe to see some of the chaos behind everything, including the last one where Daisy took the wheel and I had to...
Yellow Ribbons in a horses tail = British Showjumping Para Rider Both Daisy and Jack have a yellow ribbon in their tail when we're out competing, but it's regularly asked why. A yellow ribbon means: the horse is being ridden by a para rider (a rider with a disability) this can range from limb weakness, to visual or hearing impairments for the rider...
Is it worth it?- a question I ask myself on the regular (usually muttering under my breath when things get stressful.) Battling any of life's obstacle can be tricky balance for us to figure out and commit to doing. But I grew up believing that people who did choose to keep going must just be 100% at peace with that way of life, and that ...
I've been there. I know what it's like to feel like you're backed into a corner, to feel like giving up, that you can't keep going anymore. (This goes for physical health, mental health, every aspect of life…mine has largely overlapped between the variety at times) Nothing is easy, each one of us will face our own unique set of challenges. You can'...
Daisy you little star! We were 100th to go in today's GP class, and posted a clear to finish in 3rd place!!! There's been something so special about having Daisy through thick and (quite literally) thin …all the way to making a comeback and being able to still do what we love at big shows like this. We had such a fun today, and week here at ...
We've walked the course for tomorrow's GP class, the horses are fed and sorted…and I'm connected to a bag of IV fluids (basic water) and TPN (nutrition) Our lorry/mobile medical unit makes it possible for us to manage my health away from home, it's difficult to do at the best of times (let alone when things go pear shaped) - but so far we've been a...
It's a been a fun few days…with the addition of some medical dramas! Daisy jumped a super clear on Tuesday to finish 5th in a huge class that went on for 4 hours! She'll now be resting for the middle of the week and enjoying plenty of walks and some grass. Jack Sparrow has come for a play both yesterday and today with help from Keeley Du...
It might not be for everyone, but those of us who are familiar with horses recognise and understand how horses can influence people in incredibly powerful ways. To brighten our day, give us some freedom, get us out in the fresh air and away from the hustle and bustle that everyday life, stress (and for me, ongoing healthcare) can bring. I...
It's been a hectic few weeks for us, and with everything over the past year causing a lot of change and lack of stability health wise, it now feels surreal but perhaps even more exciting to welcome 'Jack Sparrow' to the Toombes family. We've been training for the past few weeks with Keeley Durham Equestrian and each time the fun and progress just g...
21st May, 2020- a year ago, was the day I got my second chance and we started TPN in hospital for good. I was unsure of whether to share pictures or not, as usually I stay clear from having to look at ones that bring back the stress and worry- but it seems apt as a way to celebrate how far we've come. You've all been here with me through it all, an...
I didn't want to say anything through fear of jinxing myself,however after speaking to the doctors this morning during ward round it seems the plans are moving forwards… we are making plans for my surgery to happen this Tuesday coming!! In March my stoma surgery was postponed, since then we've had a desperate few months going through the motions of...
A few Monday morning smiles because my potassium is finally within a normal and SAFE range! 220mmol of IV potassium infusions later and we can finally stop worrying and now monitor my bloods closely for any further drops.For anyone who's followed me for a while, you'll know I used to need infusion every week before starting TPN. Two yea...
I've been like a flat battery the past few days so haven't been online much. We're now on route to hospital as the potassium levels in my bloody were dangerously low, and magnesium levels high. I'll be admitted at QMC to have this addressed and hopefully treated, but it doesn't explain why I felt so awful! It's always upsetting to be rushed i...
I've grown up having people tell me I'm lazy, being told I need to get off my butt and crack on. But over the past few years, I really have learnt that rest isn't a luxury, we all need it. At one point, the idea of doing everything at 60mph and running on three hours of sleep was glamourised and made to look like the only way you can succeed. It mi...
We just needed to have some fun! A very wet but wonderful evening competing in the fancy dress pairs at Weston Lawns Equitation yesterday! It was just what me and Daisy needed, after not getting to go forward enough and needing fo really get her travelling, the pairs class was the perfect opportunity to get competitive, kick on and race again...
When it feels like you're failing, take a look at how far you've come. Even when everything feels impossible, remember how much you had to achieve to get to where you are today. Part of having goals and keeping focussed is that you're always wanting to improve, progress and overcome the next hurdle. Whether we like it or not, success is...
I figured it wouldn't hurt to re introduce myself to get to know everyone here a bit better- especially since there's a few new people here...if you're one of those- welcome! My name is Evie Olivia Toombes and I'm 18years old I have a few severe chronic illnesses (Spina Bifida, Gastroparesis, Pseudo obstruction, Cauda Equina Syndrome, Gilbert...
Oh wow!! Not only did we manage to sneak in the background...but Daisy and I actually made the cut for The Princess Royal documentary!!!🤩🤩 I nearly jumped up and hit the ceiling when I saw our faces!! So so proud to be a member of Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) and have the honour to meet HRH on a few occasions. She really does pour ever...
One of my biggest inspirations and someone that I have masses of respect for The Princess Royal (Princess Anne) documentary airs TONIGHT on ITV at 9pm Last year, I was invited to give a speech at the RDA 50th anniversary celebrations alongside The Princess Royal and what an honour that was! Here's the pictures from a very special event...never will...
I'm 18 and I don't wear pants. 🤷🏻♀️ You've seen me dancing, smiling and keeping up with the animals via FaceTime (which has all been lovely.)But for the rest of the time, I've been like this. Running out of nappies.Sporting the hospital XL nappy pads that could wrap about the Eiffel Tower, twice. Cleaning myself up only to need a fresh nappy...
Feeling confused by some of my posts and what's actually going on? Me too🙈 To be honest half of the time I have no idea what's actually going on or happening - life is very much a case of learning as I go along at the moment and I've got used to rolling with the waves of whatever occurs with my health. 🤷🏻♀️ I can however share a few things t...
After a bit of a wobble and a cry when I first arrived in hospital on Monday, today has been a much better day. I'm still not sure of the plan at all, so no updates on that front unfortunately- at the moment I'm waiting for a PICC line placement so that we can start some nutrition directly into my veins (known as parenteral nutrition/PN). I w...
Bit of a crazy day today! Bags packed, brave face on and a pit stop to see the wonderful Daisy en route to say goodbye...we have a bed in Nottingham QMC 🏥 There's a long road ahead but it's so necessary to get the help and treatment I need, with the end goal to be strong enough to ride Daisy, visit more schools to encourage children to #FindA...
These are the times I wish I was an octopus 🐙 ...can that be my #FindAWayNotAnExcuse idea today?😅🤷🏻♀️Today's events came a lot sooner that I'd thought they would. It's been over three years since I first began having regular infusions and blood tests, each time needing to take blood, cannulate and enter the veins with a needle once if not us...
A new depth of coverage in @thetimes , sharing how hospitals were given just three hours to 'adhere to policy' set by the gov health department to free up hospital beds with discharging patients. Scary to think how drastic the measures were for patients that needed to be in hospital but had to be discharged due to the hospital chiefs being pr...
Trying to keep on top of things at home each day for now with some #FindAWayNotAnExcuse vibes 🤗 As it stands today, the worries about covid and other infections with being admitted still outweigh the worries over trying to manage from home. We've agreed that an admission for TPN (nutrition delivered directly into my veins through a central line) is...
And home for a bit of 'normality' before going back to hospital first thing Monday morning. It was a bit of a shock to listen to the Downing Street daily briefing yesterday. The government guidelines for NHS plans so far have been sufficient for supplying and saving resources to help covid patients. We anticipated that the government would pr...
I want to remain as positive as possible, but I'm not sure how much longer we can go on like this. Hanging on from one emergency infusion to another. They used to be 1x bag a month- now it's 4x bags a week because I've declined so fast. This is still safer than being admitted to hospital as an inpatient, but when fatality by covid is worst ca...
Another emergency infusion of potassium today at our local hospital. Every time I come out of hospital I feel so lucky to be able to leave, and go home for a couple of days to my family. At the moment so many patients are unable to leave hospital for a prolonged period of time, others may not make it out at all due to both indirect and direct...
'What's wrong with her?' ..is something I get asked quite a lot, and it's usually followed by people staring and occasionally pointing at the various tubes I'm attached to. I've been really open about my health for a while now, which has been scary yet so freeing too. So I wanted to rewind a bit and explain what's actually 'wrong with me'. I ...
After two infusions bags of potassium my Nottingham team requested another blood test to see where my levels were at and we were astonished to learn that they were still low and I'd need further urgent infusions. I packaged a bag, grabbed some catheters and jumped in the car expecting to have another bag and come home. I was soon admitted to the am...
I've gone from needing infusions once a week to needing them every other day. Blood test results are all over the place and we have no clue as to what's causing it, but at least there's a reason I feel like a wet sock and keep collapsing at night.🙁 Safe to say I miss riding Daisy and competing so so much- it feels a world away from my current...
I feel like I'm in the odd stage of finding some new normality in this pandemic, whilst also feeling more uncertain than ever.🤔 A big question that's been weighing on my shoulders recently has been 'how much poorlier am I going to get until we can resume normal healthcare?' I was due to have my surgery and be on the way to finding some stabil...
I'm hoping the Easter bunny will bring me some extra potassium so I can stay home this bank holiday weekend! 🐣We're always trying to make the 8hour infusions a bit more fun, so when mum found a pair of bunny ears it seemed only fitting to wear them for my infusion. Me and Spud spent the morning playing pro Easter bunnies, planning an eg...
After a call from 111 with my blood tests results, we headed straight to hospital early yesterday morning as my potassium levels had dropped critically low. This happens nearly every week and I often post about it, but it doesn't change the fact that every single time can be life threatening due to the effects low potassium has on the heart a...
A whole week of not seeing Daisy has got me feeling quite lost at the moment- having her usually gives me something consistent in life that I can rely on so not having that to balance all the struggles with my health is taking a lot of adjusting to. (Even though I've become far too weak to ride over the past few days.) It certainly brightened...
It's the first time I've felt really vulnerable since being discharged from Nottingham last week. My potassium infusion was due and with it being classed an emergency due to low levels t(as always) it wasn't as option to skip or postpone. Going without my infusion and staying at home on lockdown (given how dangerous low potassium levels are) would ...
I'm slowly adjusting to the changes we are all making to everyday life so far. It feels unfamiliar, strange and worrying- but with the reason behind these measures it is so necessary and important. I tried to get my Find A Way Not An Excuse head on (as I like to call it when I need to stop moping around!) yesterday I began to structure my days a li...
Feeling suitably grim and unfortunately with news to match!🙈🙁 Me, mum, the gastro Dr and the colorectal surgeon all met today during wardround to speak. Due to the current climate our NHS has been dropped into with little notice, and the top priority being minimising risks for all patients, the decision has been made to postpone my surgery un...
It's been a quiet couple of days as we don't see the doctors over the weekend unless there's an emergency. The past week has felt quite hectic and I'm still finding my feet with being in hospital all over again. Being an inpatient, inside four walls 24/7 and being surrounded by poorly people feels worlds away from my lifestyle at home in the fresh ...
Definitely a 'Find a Way Not an Excuse' kind of day!!!😳 Today has been eventful to say the least. Out of the entire hospital it was my ward that has been named the COVID-19 isolation ward…which meant we had the evacuate the whole ward and move all 22 patients to another place. F22 is highly specialist in the treatments they provide that are very hi...
I had a 5 second 'I need my mum moment' this morning! 🙈It's so cold in my room on the ward because the radiators aren't working at the moment so I haven't been sleeping too well here so far. On little sleep, I was handed a surgical gown first thing this morning which could only mean one thing..a slot to have my PICC line placed has come up. W...
'Spud the thug' at the beach this morning 🤣 He's absolutely loving these little trips and now walks through the waves and water quite happily which is amazing considering how scared he was just a few weeks ago. It's proving to be a great way for him to begin socialising and embarking upon his therapy pony journey. After all, even a thug can o...
Feeling refreshed after a last minute trip out to Willow Banks with Daisy today- I'm due to be in hospital any day now, just waiting for that magic phone call to say there's a bed and we'll need to drop everything and go. It feels like we've been stood on our tiptoes the past week whilst trying to be ready, so some normality and fun was very welcom...
'Can I still drink coffee a few days after surgery though?'😅☕️ Pre operative appointment done and dusted this week...and the countdown is officially on! One week until I'm admitted to hospital and a month until surgery. It's beginning to get quite real so I'm trying to find the small positives that are relevant to each step for me to enjoy an...
I had my regular 'Duracell bunny recharge' (as we like to call it) of an 8hour potassium infusion on Friday to keep me going. Still pulling through the side effects and symptoms of the IV drip that really mess with my already weak heart. A few tears from the pain in my chest and dizziness whilst hacking Daisy out on Saturday, but all for a go...
I spent an incredible day at the BBC media city with the Women's Sport Trust on Thursday after having the privilege of being accepted onto their Game Changers programme. It feels like such a surreal privilege to be accepted onto the programme (especially as the youngest athlete) along with 40 other outstanding women and athletes. After s...
We call this our 'double clear after a poorly week' smiles!😁🎉Couldn't be happier with today at our first show of the year, 5.30 start to jump the 9am class..but all worth it to have some fun and feel a little more normal! I did manage to completely miss to fence no.2 but with a few clicks Daisy had my back and I soon got my butt into gear- it's al...
I'm trying not to get too caught up in making New Years resolutions based around general health. If I could, I'd love to improve my health in the name of new year new me, and it's amazing that so many people are keen to do that. But chronic illnesses don't renew their presence each new year, giving you a chance to start again. It's a weird pl...
I'm both excited and terrified for what the next year holds. With possible surgery options and further battles with doctors most likely ahead, (since the not so seemingly human right to be healthy has to be fought for tooth and nail with my consultant.) But also the fun and plans I have with Daisy, alongside some big ideas for the foundation and my...
It is, with a very heavy and broken heart I want to share the news that my best friend, number 1 boy, and beloved therapy pony 'Jay' had a field accident last week, and is no longer with us. I've felt physically sick this past week from such a traumatic turn of events, but in time I know we will rebuild ourselves and continue to make positive...
Instead of aiming to stay the whole weekend we decided to just travel up for the Christmas showjumping with Daisy today..who wasn't even interested in loading onto the lorry for the first 10minutes!😬 Ahh yes it was all worth the stress of escaping hospital and carting ourselves out in the cold, until I parted ways with Daisy in the take your ...
I think the best way to ruin plans is to make them in the first place at this rate!🙈 Not a happy bunny! Show cancelled and swapped for hospital 🚫Supposed to be away competing at one of my favourite venues Willow Banks this weekend but had to change plans and come into hospital immediately for an 8 hour emergency potassium infusion. I only had...
After a restless time with leg spasms and cramp the night before, I was so pleased to be celebrating my birthday at home and not in hospital, even on minimal sleep! Jay the Shetland was very amused that I'd asked to open presents in the cabin with him, I'd say that was definitely a 'living my childhood (and current) dreams' moment- a birthday with ...
Huge smiles to be where I belong after what feels like forever ...with Daisy the Dinosaur❤️ Feeling even better now I've seen this special girly and enjoyed a walk round the village🍂🍁 For now the plan is to be seen monthly by the nutritional team at Nottingham, in the meantime we've finally been able to secure an appointment for a couple of w...
5weeks later, the bags are packed, PICC line is out and discharge letter is signed. ITS HOME TIME!🎉
Can finally reveal the plans and things I've been working on the last few weeks whilst in hospital. So excited to announce I'll be speaking at Your Horse Live talking all things 'Find a way, not an excuse' in partnership with Jump 4 Joy THIS Saturday (after none other than Charlotte Dujardin and before Sir Lee Pearson) I've managed to b...
It's safe to say I've no need to visit Alton towers anytime soon, given how much of a roller coaster life is at the moment! There's been so many unexpected twists and turns these last few weeks, and it's left me feeling pretty detached and distant from home and normality. I often find comfort in knowing things are okay at home when I'm at hospital ...
I woke up today hoping yesterday was just a huge nightmare, but due to the absence of sleep I know it's not true. For those who have followed my journey for a little while you may remember 'Breeze', the horse we bought three years ago this winter. After nearly losing breeze when she had her field accident, I was too heartbroken to not give her a sh...
It's been a bit of a tough few days trying to juggle various aspects of my health. Without dwelling on the negatives that we're still working through with the occasional tearful moment I wanted to share some good news (and hope I don't jinx myself!)😂🙈 I've been on PN for 7days now and for the first time in 10months I've GAINED weight!!🎉 It's ...
When I began PN last week so many people said 'you'll notice a huge boost in energy straight away' and 'you'll feel so much better' but I just wasn't getting it, in fact I felt worse than when I was home. The past week I've been sleeping 14+ hours a day and still struggling to keep my eyes open, walking and staying mobile has felt like such a chall...
Feeling utterly terrified but also so grateful. A huge milestone passed as I've officially began Parenteral Nutrition since having my PICC line placed earlier this week. (The solution bag has to be kept under the red bag to protect it from daylight due to how sensitive it is.)Tonight I've managed to sneak away from my hospital room to the pat...
Earlier this week we had a super cool day filming at the NEC ahead of HOYS with Ashleigh Harley and her BAFTA award winning film crew for her upcoming film 'The Dark Horse'. Daisy wasn't overly keen on the torrential rain but behaved impeccably even with the scary cameras poking around in her face and chasing after her on wheels!🙈 🎥 So excited to s...
Urology and catheters.The words half us of us may not understand, and the other half don't like to speak about. No one expects a 17year old girl to use catheters. Instead we think of older people, perhaps in hospital or care homes that don't have full bladder control, yet it is estimated that 1 in 2 of us will be affected by a urology conditi...
This isn't quite how I planned to spend this week so far, it seems my plans have been thrown up into the air like confetti!☹️🎉 After feeling quite groggy and slow yesterday I was still adamant I wanted to get Daisy clipped and exercised ready to leave for a week of jumping at Arena UK today. I did manage to get everything ready to go...other ...
Third time lucky and we finally made it to the British Showjumping National championships at Stoneleigh! The past two years I've been due to compete at this show again, and each time I've ended up in hospital seriously ill. Two years ago I was granted day leave, mum was half way en route and Dad had driven to hospital with my show gear to get...
A very special day…Jay made his debut at a primary school this morning during one of my school visits! For the past year we've been pursuing his career as a therapy pony, with the hope of being able to share the magic and happiness that he already brings to me with other children. Last year I visited Beacon primary Academy to deliver an assem...
This September I had the honour of receiving a WellChild award for inspirational young person. WellChild is the national charity for seriously ill children in the UK, providing nurses, advice and support to children and their families. HRH The Duke of Sussex (Prince Harry) is the patron of the charity, accompanied by his wife the Duchess of S...
Report Skegness Standard Sixteen-year-old Evie Toombes from Skegness who is off to the Royal Lancaster in London to receive a WellChild Award for her inspirational courage in overcoming exceptional health needs. A 16-year-old girl from Skegness is hoping to meet the Duke and Duchess of Sussex when she collects her award for overcoming exceptional h...
Report by Horse & Hound A British para rider kept a cool head when she accidentally jumped a 1.50m fence in a 90cm class. Evie Toombes was riding as part of the British contingent at Pferd International München on 12 and 13 May. The 16-year-old was enjoying a successful show, finishing third in a class on the first day of competition aboard her...
'EDUCATION.NOT.DISCRIMINATION' WITH HELP FROM WELLSPECT HEALTHCARE TO 'E.N.D' JUDGEMENT ON HIDDEN DISABILITY As I've grown up I've become more involved with educating schools/societies on hidden disabilities.It's something I love doing and came about because I decided to 'come out' about my hidden disabilities (lower leg,bladder & bowel problem...
For furture updates on the Evie Toombes Foundations follow here Following an intense year of planning whilst Evie's health has declined- the launch of ETF will raise funds towards purchasing, maintaining & running a medical facility/horsebox. The reality is – 16yr old Evie cannot manage her complex medical issues away from home without com...
Report Skegness Standard A showjumping teenager from Skegness with a hidden disability has been inspiring others with her courage, determination and positivity. Evie Toombes, 16, was born with spina bifida which affects her lower legs, bladder and bowel. She also has a condition called gastroparesis which results with her having to be tube fed as h...
This summer has been a little crazy as usual. In fact this whole year has. Life, (as many people know from experience) can be so unpredictable without the added complications of our bodies not working 100%. Our bodies are incredible things , but they don't always fit in with our busy lives when it comes to big plans and unexpected wavers in our hea...
I WON!!!!🎉 Thank you so much to everyone who voted for me in the youth achievers Skegness standard champions award. I'm so grateful to so many people for their ongoing support and I'm absolutely thrilled I won! . Butlins provided a lovely dinner and a fun night for all of the nominees and sponsors for the awards , it was great to see some familiar ...
I've been looking forward to the para showjumping starting and it begins at Bolesworth on the 18th June.This is a huge International show and last year they helped me out by organising a special day for a good friend as a thankyou-so it's very fitting.Her name is Shannon Roe and she helped me cope with some difficult medical procedures by sharing h...
Springtime has been interesting let's say! I've experienced some amazing things like a pony racing rallie with Ponyclub.This was something I've been desperate to have a go at but wasn't well enough last April.I borrowed a friends pony ,we trained on the gallops then I raced my brother over 4 furlongs-we were well matched on 2 Welsh ponies.Unfortuna...
One thing I'm getting used to is the unexpected! Whenever I think my body is behaving it sneaks a surprise.The same goes for horses-whenever you think they're being good they get cheeky! Thankfully I've tested clear after 3 bladder infections through December to February but the antibiotics have played havoc with my tummy:( but it really show...
I don't think I would have coped if someone had told me what last year would involve.There were some incredible changes for me-most importantly my ACE operation.Life before was pretty rubbish before and it's not been easy but I do have a chance of a more normal life now.I didn't realise that everyone is so different in how they manage their bodies-...
My first show,winning a small class! I feel so lucky to be allowed to ride this girly,she's one of the sweetest horses I've ever met.After a few weeks training we had a lovely first show and even achieved a win in a small class.I need to work on finding how to move her forward even though my legs are weak(luckily my training with national para coac...
SUMMER 2017 Nov 30, 2017 10:09 AM 2 Views I've won Youth Achiever! Jul 11, 2016 9:38 PM 3 Views THE COUNTDOWN TO BOLESWORTH INTERNATIONAL Jun 15, 2016 12:03 PM 3 Views SPRINGTIME UPS AND DOWNS!May 9, 2016 1:24 PM February 2016-one thing I'm getting used to is the unexpected! Whenever I think my body is behaving it sneaks a surprise.The same goes fo...
I've finally returned home after my last competition at Scope National showjumping festival and what an experience! I did learn that having nearby toilets to wherever I am whether its competing or not is invaluable! I've had such a great summer but it didn't come without its slight complications,mum did forget to bring my med bag to the other end o...
I've had the busiest time the last couple of weeks but worth every minute.I attended ponyclub camp for 5 days which was a huge achievement following my recent ACE operation! Mum set up a wet room in our horsebox where I did my ACE and it went great.This was something we were scared of doing but now we can go anywhere.Before camp I attended Revesby ...
Roley really did meet royalty - Princess Anne even spoke to him! (she told him off for sharpening his teeth on the door). I've had an amazing time at Hartpury National RDA Champs.I really didn't know how I would cope with my ACE but thankfully the facilities were fantastic with lots of space and even a shower in the same room. When we arrived on Th...
Hi everyone-I'm so excited to be sharing all my news with you.What a great start as I'm going to Hartpury National RDA Championships tomorrow.I'm taking my brothers pony 'Roley' as my girl Jess is lame.He's a cheeky fella and I'm praying he behaves and doesn't nip Princess Anne! She's visiting on Friday when I compete and will also be visiting the ...