Karen Robinson, originally from Leicestershire, defied the odds after a brain haemorrhage
Karen Robinson, 59, from Burbage, will swim the Amsterdam City Swim alongside her daughter Devan, 26, this September(Image: Supplied)
A mum who doctors once feared would not survive a devastating brain haemorrhage is defying the odds once again – by taking on a 2.2km open water swim through the canals of Amsterdam.
Karen Robinson, 59, who was left paralysed down one side and unable to speak after the 2013 haemorrhage, will take to the water alongside her daughter Devan for charity.
The swim will take place on Sunday, September 6, 2026, as part of the annual Amsterdam City Swim, with Karen joining hundreds of participants to raise funds and awareness for research into ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), a fatal neurodegenerative disease.
In September 2013, Karen from Burbage, who was a fit, active and healthy single mum, suffered a sudden and catastrophic brain haemorrhage.
The damage was so severe that doctors gave her little chance of survival, and she was left unable to swallow, walk or even recognise her family.
After years of therapy in Amsterdam, where she now lives, Karen has rebuilt her health.
She can walk with the aid of a stick and leads a happy, independent life, and, despite being paralysed down her right-hand side, she regularly swims at her local leisure centre – even completing charity pool-based swimming events to challenge herself and raise money to help others.
For her latest fundraising quest, Karen’s daughter, Devan Robinson, 26, will join her in the city’s chilly canals to swim alongside her. The swim is the equivalent of about 88 lengths of a 25m pool.
Devan said: “Despite all she has been through, mum is so determined and never lets her disability get in her way. She has never stopped fighting and is always attempting new challenges to show what she is capable of and how resilient she is. She inspires us every single day.”
Karen’s father and Devan’s granddad, Clive Robinson, 82, from Burbage, said: “When Karen became ill it was a complete shock, which devastated the entire family. But seeing the resolve and the strength she shows every day to live life to the fullest, I could not be prouder of her.
“Karen has always been a talented swimmer – and even used to be a gym instructor and lifeguard at the old Hinckley Leisure Centre. I know she has what it takes to reach the finish line.”
Karen is aiming to raise £500 for Stichting ALS Nederland, and is already very close to achieving her goal. To donate, go to the team’s Amsterdam City Swim donation page: https://www.amsterdamcityswim.nl/teams/robbo-s/donate