WHEN single mum of two Katy Kelly fell off her horse four years ago she was left paralysed from just below the waist down and confined to a wheelchair.

But these days Katy can "walk" around her house and has just taken part in a 24-hour marathon walk to raise money for other people with spinal injuries.

She is able to do this thanks to a revolutionary piece of equipment called a parapodium - a £2,500 standing frame that allows her to stand upright and move by herself.

The former orthodontist, of Pen-y-Fan Green, The Narth, Monmouth, has had her parapodium for two years, and it has increased her independence and allowed her to stay healthy.

She raised more than £500 to take part in the marathon walk at Alexandra Palace, in London, which involved six spinally injured people "walking" for 24 hours on a relay basis.

The aim of the group is to get parapodiums in all 12 spinal units throughout the country.

Users of the Polish-invented device are able to move their legs by using arm movements. Katy said: "It really does help you stay fit. "It is hard work when you're using it, but it was important to help raise awareness and give other people the chance to see it and use it."

The independence Katy has gained from using the parapodium has meant she can do day-to-day tasks much as she has always done. "It makes a big difference to be able to stand upright.

"I try to use it every day and it has meant I haven't had to have things like my kitchen adapted," she added.

Katy tries to remain active in both body and mind. She still goes horseriding at the riding centre for the disabled near Hereford, and two years ago began a part-time degree in English Literature at Oxford University, which she plans to complete in the near future.

She is now looking forward to seeing her two daughters, Catriona, 17, and Elizabeth, 18, go through university.

Katy represented the Rookwood Spinal Injuries Unit, in Cardiff on the marathon walk, which was part of the Independent Living London exhibition.

Anyone who would like to make a donation should contact fellow fundraiser Paul Moore on 07734 473056.