THE partner of a woman who may have been left paralysed after a horrific motorbike accident has spoken of the “incredible” support they have received.
Luke Garwood, 38, set up a fundraiser to help his partner Clair Brady after she was seriously injured in the motorbike crash.
It has now totalled more than £16,000 in just a matter of days after a phenomenal anonymous donation of £10,000.
The couple went on their first date on New Year’s Eve.
Following a whirlwind six months, Clair, 40, had given up her rented property and was preparing to move in with Luke last week before tragedy struck.
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She had riden on her motorbike to Harwich on Monday to take some photographs and enjoyed a cup of tea beside the water but never made it home.
On her way back to Ipswich, she suffered a serious collision on Clacton Road, near Horsley Cross, leaving her needing to be airlifted directly to Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge.
Luke confirmed the incident severed her spinal cord, meaning she may never walk again.
She has been left paralysed from her chest down and has damaged the bottom portion of her lungs.
It means breathing is a real challenge and she requires oxygen from a machine.
On Thursday she had surgery to fuse her vertebrae together after it was broken in three places.
Luke said: “Clair is a very giving person and she reluctantly said yes to the fundraiser being set up.
“Usually it’s her giving to others, making them happy however she can. However, what’s followed since starting it has been incredible.
“She’s a positive person and doesn’t let life get her down but this is a very significant thing and there will be days where she’s not so optimistic.”
Before the accident Clair, who has a 15-year-old daughter, was a therapy assistant at Ipswich Hospital and helped people move out of hospital and encouraged them to carry out their rehabilitation exercise.
“She’s now her own patient,” Luke added, “it’s completely switched roles.
“The money will help us secure a new place which is suitable for her. It will pay the deposit and for any equipment the NHS can’t provide.
“It gives us time to focus and not have to worry about money.”
You can support the fundraiser via bit.ly/3pIKKcu.
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