Claire Bethell and Stuart Burns on their wedding day. Picture: Gary Williams Photography

It was a day medics thought Shrewsbury woman Claire Bethell would never see. Even when she astounded doctors by surviving a car crash which was caused by a drink-driver, Claire feared she would never walk again.

But a miraculous recovery was made perfect when the human resources assistant walked down the aisle to marry fiance Stuart Burns.

Claire, 32, was injured in a horrific road accident in Whitchurch 16 years ago. She was in a coma for nine weeks and left in a wheelchair following the accident.

She had to learn to walk again after suffering a fractured skull, broken leg, broken arm and paralysis down her left side.

When she and Stuart tied the knot last month Claire, who now lives in Radbrook, Shrewsbury, was reunited with the nurses who battled to save her life.

Claire said she has stayed in contact with the hospital staff since the accident, and wanted them to help her celebrate on her special day.

And she said despite doctors and her family not expecting her to live, she had gone on to gain three degrees and a job with Shropshire Council.

Claire said the date of the wedding had an extra meaning as she became Mrs Burns on Burns Night.

Claire said: “The wedding went really well, I was nervous beforehand but it was perfect. I was joined by the intensive care nurses and my physiotherapists. It was an extremely emotional day.”

The couple were married at Holy Trinity Church, Bomere Heath, and honeymooned in Barbados.

Car crash survivor Claire recovering in hospital after the road accident in Whitchurch

Claire said: “I still have paralysis down my left side but I’m getting on with my life. Sometimes it can be hard when you have a disability and for many years I felt I would never get married because of my limitations, but I have met the most amazing person ever.

“In the years since my accident I have learned to walk again, been to three universities and got three separate degrees, one of which is a masters, despite being told that as a result of my injuries it would be impossible to study and gain such qualifications.

“I also have a great job. It has been tough trying to break into the labour market but with lots of hard work I’m now in a job I enjoy.

“It will never replace the career I wanted as a physiotherapist but it’s the second best thing.”

By Emma Kasprzak