Lucy says she is desperate to be reunited in final plea for help

A paralysed mum-of-four has spoken of her anguish at being unable to return home to her family after spending 18 months in hospital - ‘trapped in a nightmare’.

Lucy Lowe, 37, lost the use of her legs after suffering complications following surgery to correct an injury sustained in a freak accident on her wedding day.

The St Budeaux Close resident was forced to live in Ottery Hospital until necessary renovations could be carried out on her house.

Unable to get any help from grants, the family set about raising the £30,000 needed to convert their home – but with just £2,000 left to go, Lucy says they have completely run out of money and is appealing for help.

Now in Mardon Neuro Rehabilitation Centre, Lucy – who was desperate to be reunited with her family by Christmas – says the unit wants her bed back, but there is nothing she can do until the work is complete.

She said: “We have run out of money basically, but we are going to have to find it because we cannot stop now. I went to my parents for Christmas Day, but it’s taking its toll now being away from my family.

“It was my desperate goal to be at home by Christmas, so it was not the most joyous of times.

“I’ve missed so much during those 18 months. I wasn’t home to support my son through his GCSEs, we didn’t take the children on a holiday this year, and I’ve missed waving them off on trips and welcoming them home again.

“How much longer can this nightmare continue? I don’t care about my legs and mobility anymore. I just want to be home and be a mum. I want to support my wonderful husband, cook meals, and be a normal family once again. The day I go home is getting closer, but to me it still feels forever away. I won’t believe I’m really home until I wake up in my own bed day after day.”

To read more about Lucy’s story or to donate, visit: www.gofundme.com/lucylowe.