A BRAVE mother-of-two, who overcame horrific spinal injuries, is raising money for the hospital unit where she was treated.

Ruth Doyle, 31, from Bishopthorpe, York, was left virtually paralysed from the waist down after a car accident on the A64, in 1990.

She was transferred to the Yorkshire Spinal Injury Centre, at Pinderfields Hospital, in Wakefield, and endured a long battle to regain some mobility and independence.

She can now walk short distances with callipers, but spends most of her time in a wheelchair. In the years following her accident Ruth has faced and overcome many challenges, including completing her degree course at the University of York, a subsequent teaching position and also having two children - George, four, and Hattie, ten months.

Although her fertility was not affected by the accident, the symptoms of pregnancy are more severe for women in wheelchairs, particularly in the later stages.

But Ruth said she did nothing extraordinary.

She said: "The mechanics of pregnancy are the same, but it's more difficult when you are in a wheelchair.

"Transferring from the chair became almost impossible, because the bump is where you would lean.

"Your symptoms are more severe and you are more likely to have a complicated birth. But it's not that bad, and I came back to have another one."

Ruth's next challenge is to undertake a tricycle ride along the new Sustrans Cycle the Solar System route, from York to Selby, to raise money for the centre.

An appeal has now been launched, called the Stepping Stones Appeal, to raise £5.25 million to improve the centre.

And Ruth, who is an appeal committee member, is determined to help.

Ruth said: "I experienced the inadequacies of the Yorkshire Spinal Injury Centre, and witnessed the wonderful work done by the staff, despite their limitations.

"I was therefore determined to help the campaign to provide new and improved facilities at the centre being conducted by the Stepping Stones Appeal.

"Please remember, the centre is for anyone living in, or travelling through, Yorkshire unfortunate enough to have a similar accident to mine - one day we could be caring for someone you care about, please help."

On Wednesday next week, Ruth, together with her husband, Ian, and friend, Mark Tempest, a local solicitor and fellow committee member of the appeal, will attempt to cycle the newly-opened cycle track.

To sponsor Ruth and her team, contact the Stepping Stones Appeal, on 01924 281121, for a sponsorship form.

Updated: 11:41 Monday, August 20, 2001