Gayton horse rider fights back after fall

A horse rider who was nearly paralysed after she was thrown and hit a concrete floor has fought back to work again.

Following the life-changing accident Mariah Stewart underwent a gruelling, five-hour emergency operation to treat a bleed on her brain and a fractured skull.

She was placed into an induced coma for nine days and narrowly missed being paralysed. She underwent a further operation to fit a titanium plate in her head a year later, and had to learn to walk again.

She was at Easton College preparing for a career working with horses when the catastrophic accident - which was the result of a horse spooking sending her flying backwards onto a concrete floor - occurred in May 2012. She believes her life was saved because she had been wearing the correct safety equipment, including her riding hat.

Four years later, the 22-year-old has fought her way back to fitness and is now using her practical and caring skills to help people with learning disabilities and mental health needs.

She was helped back into work by Ingeus UK, which delivers employment and health programmes, services for young people, training and skills support, and probation services.

Miss Stewart, from Gayton, near King's Lynn, said: 'When I went to Ingeus I hadn't worked since early 2012 and my confidence was at rock bottom after everything I'd been through.

'In August 2015, I was successful in gaining my first permanent job as a support worker for a community care provider.

'In six months working with Ingeus, I completely changed. They helped me build my confidence and made me realise that I had valuable skills to offer to employers.'

She now works as a support worker for the Regard Group, at a supported living service in Gayton.

She still loves horses, but added: 'I am still around horses but haven't been riding as much lately due to being so busy working.'

Are you recovering after a life-changing accident? Email david.bale2@archant.co.uk