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Strength from within
Anne-Marie Howarth was a busy IT professional and a keen skydiver who participated in competitions , instructing and videoing other people ’ s jumps . In mid-2005 , she sat for her motorbike learner ’ s license and bought a 250cc motorbike . One month later , on a group ride to the Blue Mountains , Anne- Marie and her then partner went ahead of their companions through the winding ascent of the Bell ’ s Line of Road .
As she was setting a slower pace than most of the riders , the rest of the group began to catch up . More worried about the large group behind her than the tight corner up ahead , Anne-Marie didn ’ t slow down enough for a safe turn and skidded out , hitting the guard rail . The impact of the blow broke the bike in half .
Anne-Marie knew exactly what she ’ d done to herself . Her lower body was without feeling or movement . In hospital she was found to have crushed her spinal cord at T7 , approximately halfway down her torso . She spent five months in hospital , undergoing major surgery .
After a slow , tedious recovery Anne-Marie moved into a flat just before Christmas 2005 , learnt to drive a car with hand controls , and returned to work part-time . She struggled with depression and frustration and the days , especially weekends , were hard to get through . Her weight plummeted , and she found it difficult to maintain conversations . The following year was the most difficult of her life , but she slowly regained her strength and fitness , and with these , a more positive outlook on life .
Once a keen lap swimmer , Anne- Marie returned to the pool , learning
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