Readers have rushed to support a Coventry woman who vowed to walk again after falling from a balcony in Thailand. Many wished Maddie Neale-Shankster ‘all the best and good luck’ and to ‘remain positive and you will get there’.
22-year-old beautician Maddie suffered a broken back, two collapsed lungs and her ribs ripped through her liver when she fell from a balcony while on holiday with her friends on the island of Koh Phangan on New Year’s Day in 2022. She spent many months bed bound and still experiences a lot of pain which she described as ‘like tattoo needles’ on a daily basis despite being on a lot of medication.
Maddie currently works in her mums salon doing nails and aesthetics and hopes to open one of her own. She told BBC CWR that once someone looks at the metal in her back, she can ‘get the right recovery’ and ‘do a lot more’ once she has that support.
Read more: Coventry beautician’s vow to walk again after horrific balcony fall on holiday
Maddie is currently on appointment referrals for 2026, which has been frustrating for her due to the cancellation of appointment and long waiting times. However, since her spinal cord wasn’t severely damaged in the fall, it has given her hope that she’ll be able to walk again.
Readers took to the CoventryLive Facebook page to cheer Maddie on and give support as she takes on the challenge to walk again.
Robert Chalmers said: “Good luck Maddie, you’re a star be positive and you will get there. You have to keep telling yourself I will that way there maybe ups and downs but you will achieve.”
Sue Lindsay Bryan said: “You go girl nothing has ever stopped you from doing what you want you have the right attitude bab good luck in you journey ahead lots of love.”
Charlotte Jarvis said: “You’re a major big deal, beautiful inside and out. I am so proud of you, a true inspiration to everyone.”
Angie McDonald said: “All the best beautiful lady, you can do this all the best” while Lesley Surbey added “Lovely girl, think positive and achieve your goal, good luck.”
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