A mother who suffered life-changing injuries after a car crash in Donegal has opened up about making her first steps since the collision.
Rachel Elliott was thrown out the back of a Peugeot 306 after it crashed into a wall at a seaside resort in Bundoran in August, 2018 – with two of her friends losing their lives.
She suffered serious injuries to her brain, back and pelvis but previously said she would try to walk again for her young son Ronnie.
Now Rachel has taken to TikTok to update people on her recovery journey.
Posting under the username @rachelelliot03, Rachel revealed she’s beginning to learn to walk again with the help of calipers.
The Fermanagh woman said in a video: “Taking one it one step at a time, I still have to learn to walk in them properly.
“My aim is to one day hopefully be fit to walk like I used to before the accident.
“I pray everyday and I keep my faith and my hope, but I’m grateful that I’m fit to walk with them.
“One step at a time, baby steps, with my determination, faith and hope, I will not lie down until I am walking again properly.”
She explained in a separate video that the calipers work by a cast going around the back and supporting your legs but she has to do the work by putting weight onto her hips and pushing down on her arms.
TO donate to Rachel’s GoFundMe page you can click this link
Rachel has set up a GoFundMe page in order to raise money to get a pair of carbon fiber calipers that would make it easier for her to walk again.
Rachel has revealed she’s taken her first steps in her calipers
She wrote in the post: “Hey everyone.. as you all know if you’re following me I was involved in a car accident in 2018 which has left me paralysed from my T9.
“I am currently going to start training with calipers in Musgrave which I hope will be a success. Fingers crossed!
“I’ve been working out with my PT and private physiotherapist for months building up my upper body strength to make these calipers a success.
“I would give my right arm to be able to walk and see that little smile on my little boys face that his mummy is walking. Even though I still use my wheelchair 70 per cent of the time that other 30 per cent would make me and my little boy so happy!
“So I’ve to go to training in Belfast three times a week and physio in temple Patrick once a week and with everything being so costly I’d appreciate any help what so ever.
“I would be very grateful. I would love to be able to raise money to be able to go private and get a pair of carbon fiber calipers which leave it easier again for me to walk.
” I understand everything is tight for everyone and I would completely understand if its not possible to help me. But any help is a bonus. Lots of love Rachel “
The crash took the lives of her friends, Shiva Devine and Conall McAleer, who were also thrown from the back seat.
TO donate to Rachel’s GoFundMe page you can click this link.
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