A TIMES columnist has expressed how the former Lord Lieutenant of Somerset pulled her 'through the darkness' after a serious injury.

Melanie Reid MBE FRSE broke her neck and back in April 2010 while horse riding, and is now experiences paralysis in her upper and lower body.

In her latest 'Spinal Column' for the Times newspaper, she explained how Annie Maw, a former Lord Lieutenant of Somerset - who was also paralysed by an injury - helped her to deal with her injury.

"When I was in hospital, I was mentored by a wonderful woman called Annie Maw, paralysed by a horse fall eight years earlier," Melanie wrote.

"She wrote every week, pulling me through the darkness.

"Now 22 years in a chair, she continues to keep pushing the boundaries to prove there is more people can achieve. So I must too."

Annie Maw has never been to the top of the 158-metre Glastonbury Tor, but has comitted to scaling it on Saturday, May 4 in a specially-adapted chair.

Read more: Woman to climb Glastonbury Tor in all-terrain wheelchair to inspire others

In the event dubbed AAA – standing for 'Annie’s Assisted Ascent' - Annie will be raising money for Festival Medical Services (FMS), but she also hopes to inspire other wheelchair users who face challenges in everyday life.

To donate to the fundraiser, visit www.justgiving.com/campaign/access-all-areas.

In her column for the Times, Melanie added: "Annie, terrified of the prospect of what may happen to her old bones, but ever insouciant, says: 'Mel, at least we have chairs to fall out of. Some people don't.'"

Ahead of her charity expedition, Annie said: “I’m taking on this terrific challenge for two reasons.

"Firstly, I want to highlight that being a wheelchair-user can bring many difficulties in getting around to places that able-bodied people take for granted – but we must keep pushing the boundaries and proving there is more and more we can achieve.

“Secondly, I’m doing it to highlight the hugely important work undertaken by Festival Medical Services as they head into the festival season in 2024.

“Of course, everyone who goes to Glastonbury or Reading Festival, or any other of the many outdoor events they cover, plans to have a marvellous time and never need to see a doctor or a nurse, but life isn’t always like that.

“And what is so wonderful is to know that if you do fall ill or have an accident, these great people are there to help you and give you an amazing standard of care – the same as you will receive in any hospital or surgery – just in the middle of a field – it’s incredible.

“It worries me that not enough people know about them and what they do, and that’s why I’m hoping this challenge will raise profile for them as well as money for the two charities they are currently supporting, Motivation and Humanity & Inclusion.”