A BORDERS charity has come to the rescue of a Galashiels woman who struggled to get out about.

Carol Connolly, of Croft Street, suffered a serious head injury nine years ago after falling down a flight of stairs, which left her needing a walking frame to get around.

And during the winter she couldn't get in and out of her house as there was no accessible path.

But last week, local brain injury charity Heads Together came to her rescue by laying down a brand new surface.

A delighted Carol to told the Border Telegraph: "The first time I used the new path was on Sunday and what a difference it has made.

"I had an accident back in 2008 and sustained a head injury. I fell backwards down 16 concrete steps.

"I was left with a fractured skull and fluid on the brain. I also lost my sense of taste and smell and went deaf in one ear.

"But I was lucky – some people have a knock on the head and that's it."
Previously, Carol had to climb up several steps to leave her house, or walk across muddy ground.

But two volunteers have changed that by laying down paving stones around the house.

Carol added: "The ground would get muddy and slippery. It was an accident waiting to happen.

"There is a hedge near the path that has saved me from falling a couple of times, because I struggle to find my balance due to vertigo.

"It was particularly bad in snow and during storms.

"My neighbours have already said they will clear the new path for me, so I am really happy."

The charity offered to take on the project after Carol attended a group session in Hawick, where people with brain injuries meet up.

Steven Turnbull of Heads Together said: "Jewson donated all the materials for the path and we are very grateful to them.

"We also want to thank Andrew Humble and Stuart Gray of Ogilvie Construction for taking on the work, which they did around their usual working hours.

"We are all pleased we could help Carol."