A Norwich woman's ambitious round-the-world cycling expedition has been cut short after she broke her back in a freak accident in Turkey. Matilda Pine, 30, sustained two fractures to her spine on 10 July while attempting to take a photograph from a friend's shoulders, just three months into her two-year journey.
Ms Pine, who was also raising money for the charity 'Cycle for Good', had embarked on her adventure on 4 April. Her travels had taken her through the Balkans, captivating thousands of followers on social media with tales of chance encounters and stunning landscapes. However, her journey came to an abrupt halt when she fell backwards from her friend's shoulders, landing awkwardly on her back.
The accident occurred in a remote field, leaving Ms Pine on the ground for two hours before her friend could help her reach a road and flag a taxi to a treatment centre. An X-ray later confirmed the severity of her injuries, revealing fractures to her vertebrae. Fortunately, there was no damage to her spinal cord, offering a positive prognosis for her recovery.
Currently, Ms Pine is being cared for in a hospital in Kayseri, Turkey. Her travel insurance company is now coordinating her return to the UK, which will involve a stretcher on a plane due to the nature of her injuries. Despite the significant setback, Ms Pine has expressed her determination to complete her global cycling tour once she has fully recovered, stating, "100% I will return."
Medics have advised Ms Pine that it will be at least six months before she can consider getting back on her bike. She had spent seven years meticulously planning her trip, both physically and mentally. The abrupt end to her journey has understandably been an emotional experience, but her ability to walk in recent days suggests a full recovery is anticipated.