While Jade Almond learned how to walk again during months of gruelling physiotherapy, she looked forward to being able to play football again and trips to restaurants with her family.
The accident that had left her reliant on crutches was a distant memory and, after seven months of treatment, it seemed like life could finally return to normal.
But, in a terrible twist of fate, on the drive back from her last round of treatment, she was involved in a car crash that left her immobile for a second time.
“I remember my mum screaming and the car went into the back of us and everything went fuzzy,” says Jade, now 21. “I thought I was OK, but then I started throwing up and feeling out of it. By the time we got to A&E, I couldn’t move. I had no strength. I couldn’t believe this had happened to me again.”
It’s a testament to her resilience that Jade has once again overcome the odds and made a second incredible recovery. Now studying to be a teacher, she is determined to inspire others.
“I’m looking forward to what the future holds,” she says, smiling.
Jade’s first accident happened in 2018 when she was 16 and a promising goalkeeper playing for Wigan Athletic women’s team.
“I started playing when I was eight or nine years old and my original plan was to become a football coach when I finished school,” says Jade, who is a student at Liverpool Hope University.
“We would play matches on the weekend and train midweek. My whole life was very sports-orientated.”
It was also very family-focused, with Jade sharing a close bond with her siblings – brother Guy, 25, and sister Josie, 20.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
'SECRETS DON'T STAY BURIED'
Bad Sisters returns for a second series with the Garvey siblings in the spotlight again after the dismembered body of JP's father turns up
'I WAS KISSING HIM AND RUBBING HIS BELLY!'
Interior Design Masters host Alan Carr chats about meeting Pudsey Bear, Simon Cowell's toilet paper and his own dubious home purchases
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT VAPING
E-cigarettes have never been more popular, but vaping isn't as risk-free as people might think it is
Teen murders mum then lures stepdad home to shoot him too
Carly Gregg fired her mum's gun as she searched her bedroom for drugs
'I took one huge gasp and ran in'
Lifesaver Emily Greenwood tells new how she rescued two people swept out to sea
'Clair's married to the biggest fool'
James and Clair Buckley on having fun at home and their hilarious new podcast
Louise set for best year yet
As loved-up pop star Louise Redknapp celebrates her 50th birthday, a source tells new that marriage 'could be on the cards'
'Surprisingly, I quite like the muscle aches'
Jamie Borthwick reveals how he juggles filming for EastEnders alongside long rehearsal days on Strictly
It's been on my vision board - I've loved it'
Reality star Molly Smith on manifesting her new lingerie campaign and setting up home with boyfriend Tom Clare
Chloe is ready to 'find happiness'
After her turbulent split from James Haskell, Chloe Madeley is learning to love herself again, a source tells new