From spinal cord injury patient to Team GB athlete: Saffron's remarkable rehabilitation journey | News

A former patient at Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust's Yorkshire Regional Spinal Injuries Centre (YRSIC) is preparing to represent 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.

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 is preparing to compete for Team GB at the International Canoe Federation Canoe Sprint and Para-Canoe World Championships in Poznan, Poland.

 

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.

"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.

"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."

 

The Yorkshire Regional Spinal Injuries Centre provides specialist care for people with spinal cord injuries from across Yorkshire and the Humber, supporting around 120 patients each year through rehabilitation programmes tailored to their individual goals and needs.

 

The centre's multidisciplinary team works with patients to address the physical, emotional and practical challenges that can follow spinal cord injury, helping them achieve the highest possible level of independence.

Saffron, who discovered para-canoeing less than a year ago, says sport has helped provide a new focus following her injury.

 

 

 

 

Speaking ahead of the championships, she told the BBC: "That feeling of picking up the GB kit and knowing that I'll be representing my country again is really special."

Her selection for Team GB comes just over two years after she was unable to get out of bed independently following her accident.

 

Dr Hariharan added:

"For everyone at the Yorkshire Regional Spinal Injuries Centre, it is wonderful to see how far Saffron has come. We wish her every success as she represents Great Britain and continues to inspire others living with spinal cord injury."