It is difficult to imagine what I had to overcome in a tough and often lonely journey. At the age of 28 my life was turned upside down when a horrific road accident left me a quadriplegic, paralysed from the neck down. My life as an athletic, marathon-running young mother and teacher was abruptly shattered.

Despite months of rehabilitation, I often found myself wondering if life was worth living. Everything I had taken for granted was now beyond my reach and the frustration at my helplessness threatened to overwhelm me.

Against the odds, I chose to live. My strength of character and determination prevailed and, sustained by the support of my son, family and friends, my care assistants and an unbelievably caring community, I started my journey to regain my sense of self-worth and independence. I rebuilt a life in a different, immobile body and reclaimed my identity. I am proud to say I managed to do this with grace and dignity.