A Ripon woman has completed the 199 steps in Whitby to mark five years since what she describes as 'the most devastating day of her life' - all whilst raising more than £10,000 for charity.
Lucie Maguire of Kirkby Malzeard took on the challenge earlier this week, completing the climb on the anniversary of the accident that left her with life-changing injuries.
On 27th January 2021, Lucie was involved in a tragic tractor collision that saw her spend 518 days in Leeds General Infirmary.
During that time, she had the right side of her pelvis and right leg amputated, a stoma fitted, and had her bladder and uterus removed.
She also broke her back and all her ribs, and was told she would never walk again.
To mark the fifth anniversary of her accident, Lucie climbed the 199 steps in Whitby on Tuesday (27th January) whilst fundraising for Day One Trauma Support.
She said:
“The months after my accident tested me in ways I can’t fully put into words. Learning to live with trauma, rebuild strength and find hope again took time, resilience and support.
“In my darkest moments, I learned just how vital trauma services are for both patients and their families.
“That’s why I’m raising money for Day One Trauma - a charity incredibly close to my heart that supports people when their lives are turned upside down by serious injury.”
Speaking to Your Harrogate, Lucie said she wanted to use the anniversary to create something positive.
"I wanted to turn such an awful memory into a positive and something that will bring light for everyone in my family and really turn away from the negative, and it kind of closes a chapter in my life - I'm not going to say I'm done being that person, but, there's an old Lucie who needed that."
Lucie also spoke about struggling with her mental health following the accident, but said she draws strength from the support she has received.
She said:
"I know that I've obviously gone through something horrible and I know it would be easy to sit down and give up, but I didn't want that.
“Five years ago, I remember laying on that road and thinking I don't want to die and, I'd made peace with the fact that I was going to.
“I see every day I have now as a new beginning, because I have defied every odd if I should be here or not, and I just think that's amazing - I've been given a second chance and if I can't use that for good, then I feel it's wasted."
Lucie has now raised more than £10,000 for Day One Trauma Support, which provides practical and emotional help to people affected by serious injury and trauma.
Contribute to her fundraising campaign via JustGiving here and listen to Your Harrogate's Pete Egerton speaking to Lucie below:
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