A WOMAN who nearly died after breaking her neck and was left homeless for three months has been given a new flat.

We revealed in December how Tracey Cass, 41, was lucky to be alive after falling down stairs at her home.

She was taken to the Royal Gwent Hospital, Newport, and was confined to her bed for three days until doctors determined the damage.

They told her any sudden movement of her head could kill her or leave her paraplegic so a 'halo' brace was fitted around her neck.

Ms Cass waited three weeks in hospital as Newport council tried to find a home, and her boyfriend Anthony Tedaldi, 38, feared they would not be re-homed in suitable accommodation.

The couple spent Ms Cass's 41st birthday without a home of their own, staying in a small room at a friend's house which left her with depression.

But after three months of waiting Newport City Council has moved the couple into a ground floor flat in Shaftesbury.

Mr Tedaldi said: "The flat is just what we wanted, Tracey needs to be able to have easy access. We have lots of room and it is a good neighbourhood."

Tracey still has an aluminium neck collar and finds it difficult to move.

"Tracey is still taking tablets, she is OK but I still have to help her move around and do everyday things," Mr Tedaldi said.

She is still having regular six-weekly check-ups at the Royal Gwent Hospital.