Sophie Wilson: Backpacker who broke neck back in UK Published duration 27 December 2018

image copyright Sophie Wilson image caption Sophie Wilson was in hospital in Thailand for almost a month

A backpacker who broke her neck diving into a swimming pool in Thailand is back in the UK, thanks to people donating more than £67,000.

The money has gone towards Sophie Wilson's hospital bills and a medical flight from Thailand.

Insurance company Insure and Go refused to pay out as they said she had acted in a way which put herself at risk.

Medics do not know whether the 24-year-old, from Shepshed, Leicestershire, will be able to walk again.

'Making good progress'

Miss Wilson landed at Heathrow on Wednesday and was then taken to the Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham.

Her sister Georgina Wilson said: "She's feeling so much more positive and happy about being back in the UK and there are no issues with the language barrier.

"She's still making good progress every day, so she's getting more and more strength in her arms and hands but there's still no movement from the chest down at the moment."

image copyright Sophie Wilson image caption Sophie Wilson was only a week into her solo trip around the world

Sophie Wilson is expected to be in Nottingham for four or five weeks before being moved to a hospital in Sheffield, where she will spend at least six months.

Lifelong dream

"They've said there's a chance she may not walk," said her sister.

"We've got to play it by ear and take every day as it comes."

The former coffee shop worker had set off on a six-month trip as part of her lifelong dream to travel the world, and had been in Thailand for only a week when she had the accident on 1 December.

She thought the pool was deeper than it was and did not see a sign warning that diving was not allowed.

Miss Wilson received treatment at a hospital in Chiang Mai and had about 10 hours of surgery.

Before leaving Thailand she wrote on Facebook: "I really am truly amazed by everything that everyone has done for me."

image copyright Sophie Wilson image caption Miss Wilson's spinal cord became compressed when she dived into the pool

Insure and Go said in a statement: "We do understand that people go on holiday to have fun and enjoy themselves, but we are not able to cover circumstances where the customer has acted in a way that puts themselves at risk.

"This is clearly stated in the policy terms and conditions."