'I will still do daft things despite spinal injury'
Wire and SkyA woman who suffered a spinal injury four years ago has said she will continue to do "daft things" as she prepares to undertake her latest challenge for charity.
Trish Brookes, from Crewe, Cheshire, lost feeling from her waist down a few days after she slipped and fell in the shower, in July 2021.
She had an operation to stop her becoming paralysed, but was left having to use crutches or a wheelchair to get around.
Despite her injury, the mum-of-three has since taken on a number of challenges to raise money for the Spinal Injuries Association (SIA).
These include facing her fears by swimming with sharks and abseiling 100ft (30.5m) down Liverpool's Anfield Stadium.
Mrs Brookes is not stopping there and, on 20 September, and husband Ian, who is her carer, will be doing a 90ft (27m) abseil and a mile-long canoe trip in the Peak District.
"It's all part of showing the world that we can still do so much – we can still challenge ourselves and go out there to do daft things," she told BBC Radio Stoke.
"Even though I've been told by my consultant there's further damage going on and the future is very uncertain… I just want to enjoy life and live it to the full.
"This spinal injury of mine is for life, but I'm not going to let it stop me doing things and be courageous by doing things I've never done before."
Mrs Brookes said she has started feeling weakness on her left side and her doctor told her she would likely need another operation in the future.
Trish Brookes"I'm still trying to live the best that I can and do as many normal things as I can but it does take it out of you," she added.
Mrs Brookes has raised about £3,000 so far and also helped to set up a support group for people with spinal injuries in Crewe last year.
She said: "It's just nice to be able to speak with other people who know exactly what we're going through."
Read more Cheshire stories from the BBC and follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.