Sam Olney was four wheel driving with work friends in the Kaimai Ranges when the truck she was in plunged down a ravine. Photo: Sam Olney
A farmer who broke her back in a four-wheel drive accident says she is determined to get back behind the wheel of a tractor.
Sam Olney was four-wheel driving with work friends in the Kaimai Ranges in September when the truck she was in plunged down a ravine.
"I was ejected out of the vehicle and I knew straight way something wasn't right," she said.
"When I got to hospital I was in a lot of pain and that's where I found out I'd broken by back in the T12 which had compressed my spinal chord so that's basically left me paralysed from my hips down, I can't feel anything and I can't move which has been a big shock."
Sam Olney started dairy farming when she was 16. Photo: Sam Olney
Olney said her injury wasn't going to stop her from achieving her goals in life.
"I started dairy farming when I was 16, this last year I was taking a break and was working as a tractor driver, I love both jobs so I'm really keen to get back to work when I can.
"It's definitely possible, I don't think I'll be back milking cows anytime soon but I don't think my injury will stop me getting back in a tractor because you can use hand controls for everything."
"I get to go home this week which I'm really excited for and then the next steps are standing up and taking a few steps," Olney said.
"I know it's going to be a long road but everything is possible. I keep joking with my friends that I prefer to sit down anyway."
Olney who is fund-raising to attend a programme to help her walk again that is not funded through ACC said support from her co-workers and the wider farming community had been amazing.
