A BRAVE mum-of-two who was left paralysed after a horrific accident at the gym is preparing for the next chapter of her life.

After breaking her back while using the squat rack at her gym nine months ago, courageous Victoria Griffiths, from Gorse Covert, has refused to be beaten by what life has thrown her way.

Following months of gruelling work at a rehabilitation centre, the 32-year-old is excited to celebrate Christmas at home with her family including her sons four-year-old Noah and 11-year-old Luke.

But the new year will also bring a new and exciting challenge for Victoria.

After working as an on-call firefighter at Birchwood Fire Station, the determined 32-year-old is now looking forward to working at the safety centre in Lymm in January.

The mum-of-two said: "I've just had to take it a day at a time but the fire service has been amazing.

"I always remember when I joined the service and they said ‘it's like one big family’.

"I thought that is a bit cheesy but when this happened it made me realise that we are just one big family.

"If anyone needs any support they are always there to help you.

"I'm looking forward to something new, a new challenge at the safety centre.

"I have visited the safety centre twice – initially to have a look around and then when there was a school visit.

"The reaction from the kids made me realise it was the right decision."

Victoria's life changed suddenly while she was lifting 130kg on the morning of March 17.

After being rushed to Aintree Hospital, Victoria was taken immediately to the operating theatre for a four-hour procedure to put titanium rods in her spine.

Tragically, a broken bone in the middle of her spinal cord has left her paralysed from the waist down.

But the inspiring mum-of-two has refused to be beaten and she is now preparing for Christmas with her loved ones.

"I was discharged on June 28," said Victoria.

"It has been hard obviously – it's all very different to what I'm used to and there are still things I am finding very difficult but I'm having more good days then bad days."

The support of her friends, family and work colleagues has been the main catalyst behind her determined outlook on life.

Almost £9,000 has been raised on a fundraising page to help the brave mum-of-two as she adapts to her new life.

"There is still so much fundraising going on," said the former Cardinal Newman High student.

"I have made so many strong friendships because of this."