Friends' fundraising mission for paralysed Yapton mum

So far nearly £10,000 has been raised for the Yapton mum-of-four, who was left paralysed from the waist down in a cycling accident on Bury Hill last August.

The Maypole Inn in Yapton raised around £2,000 by hosting a special day for her over the summer, and friend Mike Houston is running the Boston Marathon and has so far raised £1,000 for her.

After spending six months at Stoke Mandeville Hospital, Amanda, 45, was allowed home last month, and although a stairlift has been installed, the rest of her home is incredibly difficult for her to navigate in a wheelchair.

Close friend Jane Sadler is planning a number of fundraisers at her pilates classes. Jane said: “I think a lot of people in her position would have fallen by the wayside, but she’s incredibly strong and determined.

“She’s told me she doesn’t feel any different, only that her legs don’t work any more. Of course she does have difficult days but she’s amazingly positive.

“It’s a massive change in her life and we just want to raise as much as we can to make things easier for her in her own home.”

The family home currently has only one bathroom and Amanda is unable to shower unassisted, while navigating the narrow corridors and cooking for her children is a daily struggle.

Amanda received a £1,000 cheque from a local fundraiser, while her brother in Ireland, Adrian, raised £1,000 through an art exhibition, and was also handed £350 by a group of Irish ladies who had completed a mini triathlon.

Amanda was a keen runner before her accident, raising funds for a number of charities. She plans to take part in the Bognor Parkrun this Saturday, her first event since leaving hospital.

Amanda said: “I’m totally overwhelmed by it all, it feels a bit surreal to have so many people, even strangers, want to help. I’m so grateful to everyone for their support and kindness.”

If you have any fundraising ideas for Amanda, want to donate or go along to Jane’s pilates fundraisers, email her at [email protected]

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