Yapton runner’s heart-breaking message to loved ones after horror crash leaves her paralysed

A woman has been hailed for her immense courage after being told she will never walk again.
Keen runner Amanda Newton has been told she won't walk again after her cycle crash on Bury Hill on SundayKeen runner Amanda Newton has been told she won't walk again after her cycle crash on Bury Hill on Sunday
Keen runner Amanda Newton has been told she won't walk again after her cycle crash on Bury Hill on Sunday

Mother of four Amanda Newton was involved in an horrific cycling accident on Sunday morning after her brake failed on Bury hill.

The 44-year-old from Yapton careered down the hill and crashed into a sign post, fracturing her spine and breaking one of her collar bones as well as all the ribs on her left side.

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She lay in agony hidden in long grass before her cries for help were heard by another passing cyclist who dialled 999.

Incredibly Amanda posted this smiling picture and message on Facebook just hours after her accidentIncredibly Amanda posted this smiling picture and message on Facebook just hours after her accident
Incredibly Amanda posted this smiling picture and message on Facebook just hours after her accident

She was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton where she was told the devastating news that she is likely to be in a wheelchair for the rest of her life.

But incredibly the very same night as her accident, Amanda summoned the strength to post a smiling picture of herself on Facebook from her hospital bed, along with a heart-braking message telling family and friends what had happened.

Amanda is well known in the area for competing in countless cycling and running races on many weekends and her determination and strength of character shone through in her message to her loved ones, where she said she hoped not to make anyone sad.

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Amanda’s Facebook post, which she has given the Observer permission to publish, said: “No easy way to tell you all this .... my back brake failed on Bury hill thus morning and I lost control and ended up in a massive bush but typical me managed to collide with a sign post.

Hundreds of people have sent messages of support calling her an inspirationHundreds of people have sent messages of support calling her an inspiration
Hundreds of people have sent messages of support calling her an inspiration

“As a result I have broken all my left ribs ... broken my collar bone and broken my back .... I don’t want to make anyone sad or upset but I’m not going to walk again ... but will now at least beat all my running races in my wheel chair .... feel free to visit when I know more of what’s going on and where I am as I will be in hospital for a while and we all know I like a good chat xxxx.”

Unsurprisingly she has received hundreds of replies on the social media site from shocked friends hailing her incredible bravery and calling her an inspiration to others.

Amanda said she is set to undergo major surgery on her broken back today and added: “I am overwhelmed with your kindness and I am such a lucky, lucky lady even with all this going on.”

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