Inspirational Survivor Takes on Whitby Steps Challenge Five Years After Horror Accident

On a day marked by both a sombre anniversary and incredible grit, 24-year-old Lucie Maguire took to the iconic 199 steps of Whitby to reclaim her story.

Lucie, an amputee who suffered life-changing injuries in a horror tractor accident exactly five years ago, successfully completed a fundraising challenge she titled ‘From trauma to triumph: Lucie’s hop to the top’,.

On 27 January 2021, at the age of 19, Lucie was struck by a tractor and dragged beneath a 10-tonne trailer. The incident resulted in the full amputation of her right leg and pelvis, a broken back, and severe internal damage. Lucie spent 518 days in hospital following the incident and has  undergone years of specialist rehabilitation.

Today the now 24 year old chose the steep, Grade 1 listed climb from Whitby’s Old Town to St Mary’s Churchyard to raise funds for Day One Trauma Support.

The ascent represented the first time Lucie, originally from Loftus, has travelled a significant distance without her wheelchair since the accident. Her physiotherapist, Dr Katherine Taylor, noted that the physical demand of the task was immense, stating that Lucie has half the strength of someone with two legs and must rely heavily on her upper body while her remaining leg works “twice as hard”. Dr Taylor described Lucie as “utterly inspiring” for her ability to continue setting new goals despite her medical challenges.

For Lucie, the motivation was deeply personal.

“Raising funds and awareness for Day One Trauma Support is my priority, but I'm also doing this for me, I want to prove to myself that I have come a long way. I never thought I'd be in a position where I could take something like this on. But I'm still here, I'm still fighting and I'm changing the narrative so the 27th January becomes the date I climbed 199 steps rather than an awful day I nearly died”.

Speaking about the traumatic incident Lucie said:

"During my time in the hospital I had the right side of my pelvis and right leg amputated, A stoma fitted, I had my bladder and uterus removed, I broke my back all my ribs and was told I’d never walk again.

On the anniversary of my accident, this challenge means more to me than just completing the 199 steps in Whitby.

My life changed in an instant. What began as an ordinary day became one of the most frightening moments I’ve ever faced. The pain, fear and uncertainty that followed were overwhelming, and the road to recovery was far harder than I ever imagined — physically, mentally and emotionally.

The months after my accident tested me in ways I can’t fully put into words. Learning to live with trauma, rebuild strength and find hope again took time, resilience and support. In my darkest moments, I learned just how vital trauma services are for both patients and their families.

That’s why I’m raising money for Day One Trauma — a charity incredibly close to my heart that supports people when their lives are turned upside down by serious injury.

Taking on the 199 steps is my way of honouring how far I’ve come, remembering what I survived, and giving back so others don’t have to face trauma alone."

The charity she is supporting, Day One Trauma Support, provides emotional, practical, and financial aid to survivors of major trauma. Lucie credit’s the organisation with being a “constant” during her recovery, providing the emotional support that overstretched NHS staff often cannot.

Zoe Cooper from Day One Trauma Support, who was present at the challenge, praised Lucie’s resilience in the face of the elements:

“So, we're here today with Lucie, one of our incredible volunteers. She is climbing the 199 steps in Whitby to raise money for day one trauma support.

She's so determined and I think her being here in this weather just shows how determined she is and the courage that she has to make this day kind of something else, not just the anniversary of the accident, but something really memorable and something amazing that she's achieved. So, we're behind her every step of the way”.

Zoe highlighted the importance of such fundraising efforts for the charity’s survival:

“Lucie has come so far in her recovery journey and we're just so grateful that we could be alongside her with her and support her family and that's what she's raising money for today for to help more people like her that need support after life-changing injuries.

Day One Trauma Support is here to support anyone affected by serious and life-changing injuries.

We receive no NHS or government funding. So we rely on amazing people like Lucie to raise that money and support so we can continue providing that service for people and their loved ones”.

Kirsty Christmas, Head of Public Fundraising at Day One Trauma Support, expressed the charity’s immense pride in Lucie’s recovery, calling it a “testament to her strength”. James Tomlinson, director of personal injury at Bond Turner, added that witnessing Lucie’s refusal to be defined by her injuries has been “extraordinary”.

As she reached the top of the Whitby landmark, cheered on by friends, family, and medical professionals, Lucie reaffirmed her passion for ensuring other trauma survivors receive the same level of care she did,. Her journey continues to be documented on TikTok, where she has inspired thousands of followers with her progress.

Lucie's fundraising page can be found at https://www.justgiving.com/page/lucie-maguire-1