A vicar's wife yesterday told how her life had changed completely since she broke both ankles in an horrific car crash.

Maureen Burghall said even simple tasks such as making a cup of tea, visiting friends and family and washing up were now a daily struggle.

"Things you take for granted like preparing a meal, getting in the car to do the shopping, picking a bunch of flowers and putting them in a vase, fetching a book you have left upstairs, being able to make a contribution to everyday life, all become a frustration and a challenge to be overcome," she said yesterday (Tuesday) just hours after Lawrence West was jailed for dangerous driving.

"I am suddenly very much in need of help in so many ways."

Mrs Burghall, 62, whose husband Ken retires as vicar of Lower Peover Church next month, spent a month in Macclesfield Hospital after the crash in February last year.

Before she was allowed home, Mr Burghall had to convert their dining room into a bedroom because she could not get up the stairs. "I was in plaster on both legs for many weeks unable to go out," she said.

"Even going from room to room was difficult as the wheelchair was not easy to manoeuvre and my legs had to be straight out in front of me." Gradually the plaster was removed and replaced with support boots.

Finally after many weekly physiotherapy sessions she was able to take a few tentative steps - first with a walking frame and then with crutches.

But doctors have warned the grandmother that she is unlikely to walk again unaided.

Mrs Burghall, a retired ward clerk at Macclesfield Hospital, said she would never forget the day of the crash when she had to be cut free from her car by firemen. "Some people from St Helens having a day out came to me and stayed with me, talking to me and holding my hand while the fire brigade and the ambulance men tried to get me out of the car," she said.

"They left me only when I was eventually put in the ambulance and my husband arrived. "I shall be forever grateful to them and all the people involved on that day for all their skills and professionalism, kindness and compassion. Where would we be without such people?"

This week the couple were preparing to move to Congleton.

But plans to travel during retirement have been postponed.

"The many things we promised ourselves we would do once we retired may have to go on hold perhaps forever," she said.

Mrs Burghall, who might need physiotherapy for another year, said she could no longer enjoy gardening.

But she is determined to remain positive despite her injuries.

"All experiences of life are opportunities for greater understanding and I now feel more empathy with people whose independence is limited," she said.

"Anger and regrets are very negative emotions, I feel, and are best not indulged in.

"My motto is to take life a day at a time or as the Bible puts it - sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof."

ssmith@guardiangrp.co.uk