A YOUNG woman left paralysed by an accident at a gym has been treated to a special surprise.

Sophie Butler, 21, broke her spine while training at a gym.

Her courage in demonstrating a positive attitude to the challenges ahead of her have been recognised as she was treated as part of Essex and Suffolk Water’s 2017 Make My Day awards.

The awards are a scheme run by the company to give someone a boost and an extra special day to remember.

Sophie, who lives in Basildon, broke her spine in an accident while training at the gym earlier this year.

She was paralysed from the waist down and was told by doctors that she may never walk again.

Despite what Sophie’s been through, she remains positive about her life and she refuses to give up on her aspirations.

She managed to get on stage and attend her graduation this year.

Claire Sharp, customer service director of Essex & Suffolk Water, said: “We surprised Sophie in Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in Stanmore with beauty treatments and a make-over.

“Make My Day is all about giving something back to our customers and putting a smile on people’s faces, so we’re really pleased to be able to work with Sophie.

“It’s just one of the ways we are surprising and delighting our customers during the National Customer Service week and as a company we really want to show our customers how important they are to us.

“Our aim was to make as many people’s days as possible, in as many different ways as possible.

“We gave away gifts and trips away to our employees who have given their time to support community projects and giving donations.

“There were lots of different surprises planned for each day in different locations.”

Employees have been busy surprising their other winners.

The team presented Farleigh Hospice in Chelmsford with £500 as they have been caring for an employee of the company.

They also handed out free treats and flowers to shoppers in Chelmsford High Street.