A former patient at the Yorkshire Regional Spinal Injuries Centre, in Wakefield, represented Great Britain on the world stage just two years after sustaining a life-changing spinal cord injury.

Saffron Cresswell, a former international event rider who won three European medals for Great Britain, was left paralysed after a serious fall during the Bramham Horse Trials in June 2024.

Following emergency treatment and spinal surgery, Saffron was transferred to the Yorkshire Regional Spinal Injuries Centre at Pinderfields Hospital, where she began the next stage of her recovery.

The centre provides specialist care for people with spinal cord injuries from across Yorkshire and the Humber, through rehabilitation programmes tailored to their individual goals and needs.

At the time, Saffron faced a challenging rehabilitation journey, spending several weeks on bed rest before beginning an intensive programme of specialist therapy designed to help her regain independence and adapt to life with a spinal cord injury.

Now, two years later, the 25-year-old competed for Team GB at the International Canoe Federation Canoe Sprint and Para-Canoe World Championships, held in Poznan, Poland at the end of last month.

Saffron finished in fifth-place in the women's VL1 200m in an impressive time of 1:27.03.

Dr Ram Hariharan, consultant and clinical lead at the Yorkshire Regional Spinal Injuries Centre, said: “When Saffron first arrived at our centre she was facing an enormous physical and psychological challenge following a devastating injury.

The International Canoe Federation Canoe Sprint and Para-Canoe World Championships took place on August 27.

“Her determination, resilience and willingness to embrace rehabilitation were evident from the beginning.

"While every patient's journey is different, Saffron's achievements show what can be possible when specialist rehabilitation is combined with personal commitment, family support and ongoing opportunities within the community.”

Saffron first discovered para-canoeing less than a year ago, with her selection for Team GB coming just over two years after she was unable to get out of bed independently following her accident.

Dr Hariharan continued: “One of the key messages we share with our patients is that life does not end after a spinal cord injury.

"It may look different, but people can go on to lead independent, fulfilling and successful lives.

"Saffron's story is an inspiring example of that”.