A TEENAGER who had to learn to walk again after a virus left her in a wheelchair only 12 months ago has raised hundreds of pounds for Evesham’s Acquired Brain Injury Unit by completing a 10-mile ice skate.

Aimee Stanley, aged 16, became ill in January last year with an unknown virus which crippled her with chronic pain.

She was forced to attend a pain management programme, inc-luding physiotherapy and occupational therapy, at Birmingam Children’s Hospital.

It was these life-changing experiences which inspired her to raise funds to support the work of occupational therapists at the Acquired Brain Injury Education Service (ABIES), where her mum Angela is head of service.

Aimee, who lives near Bidford, said: “It was terrifying thinking that I might not be able to walk again. But my family and friends, together with the people at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, helped me through it.

“I wasn’t aware of the work occupational therapists did before my own experiences but now I can appreciate what a difference they make.

“I decided to raise funds by ice skating because I have always loved it and when I was ill I wanted so much to be able to get back on the ice, and now I go every week.”

Mum Angela said: “This time last year she couldn’t walk so Aimee should be extremely proud of herself. She has worked hard, listened to the advice of therapists and had to be a strong person not to give in to her problems.”

The brain injury unit on Davies Road was facing possible closure following the Govern-ment’s decision last year to reduce the adult learner budget by £200 million.

The centre learned earlier this month that it has now been allocated all of its budget by the Skills Funding Agency for the next academic year.

ABIES occupational therapist Alison O’Neill said: “I think it’s brilliant what Aimee has done. I’m glad she found her therapy so beneficial and we’re just really grateful that she has thought of us with this donation.”