'I was hit by a taxi and woke up in the hospital ward I worked on'

The 30-year-old from Leeds had suffered catastrophic injuries including a broken spine, pelvic and shoulder when she was hit by a black cab as she crossed the road.

Chloe woke up hours later on Royal Berkshire Hospital’s trauma and orthopaedic ward, where she worked as a physiotherapist, but this time as a patient being treated by her colleagues.

Chloe, who was 25 at the time, spent weeks in hospital recovering and left hospital needing to use a wheelchair and her mum became her carer for several months as she had to help Chloe move, wash and cut up her food.

Chloe and her mum Michelle said they were scared and worried about their future as they feared Chloe may never live independently again.

But with the support of charity Day One Trauma Support she is now back on her feet and supporting their Christmas Appeal to help others navigate the long road to recovery,

She said: “I was walking home from work and on the phone to my mum when I was hit by a taxi.

“From that moment, I don’t remember much. I remember lying on the floor, then being given morphine, and after that, it’s all a blur.

I woke up on the trauma orthopaedic ward, the very ward I worked on, surrounded by colleagues who were now helping me with everything, from moving to personal care.

“It was surreal, but also a blessing during a time when visitors weren’t allowed due to Covid restrictions.

“Being out of hospital but not back to normal life was one of the scariest times. Doctors warned I might always need an aid to walk and might never return to the job I loved. Mum was great and helped me with everything.

“We went into survival mode as helped my move, wash and cut up my food. It was hard being dependent on her again as an adult.”

While Chloe studied physiotherapy at Leeds Becket University seven years ago she also worked on the trauma and orthopaedic ward at Leeds General Infirmary – where Day One was founded by leading surgeon Prof Peter Giannoudis.

Now, four years on, Chloe is back walking and working as a physiotherapist within the Amputee Rehab Clinic at Charing Cross Hospital in London. She regularly sees the difference the charity makes to her patients who have survived major traumatic injuries.

That’s why Chloe is sharing her story for the first time to back Day One Trauma Support’s Christmas Appeal. The charity hopes to raise at least £30,000 to ensure people aren’t left to cope on their own this Christmas after suffering life-changing injuries.

The charity, which supported 556 people in Leeds and West Yorkshire last year, has seen a 40 per cent increase in demand for some of its services, including emergency grants.

She added: “I’d heard of Day One from my time studying and working in Leeds and had been recommending them to my patients, but after my accident I experienced their support firsthand. They offered kindness, compassion, and practical help when we needed it most.

“I know many people leave hospital with life-changing injuries and no support system. That’s where Day One really makes a difference, giving people guidance, connection, and someone who understands what that early stage of recovery feels like.

“I’m proud to support Day One’s Christmas Appeal to ensure other people like me get the support they need following catastrophic injuries.”

And over four years on, Chloe is now in training for the London marathon to raise money for Day One.

Jen Murgatroyd, director of fundraising and communications at Day One Trauma Support, said: “We’re so grateful to Chloe and her family for sharing their story with us.

“A powerful reminder that major trauma can happen to anyone, even those working within trauma care. With trauma wards especially busy at Christmas and demand for our support up by 40 per cent, more people impacted by life-changing injuries need our help. If you’re able to donate to our Christmas Appeal, you’ll ensure they get the specialist support they urgently need.”

To donate visit: www.dayonetrauma.org/christmas