Young Woman 25 Faces Life Changing Injury After Pool Accident Turkey

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A young professional who suffered a severe neck injury after diving into a pool on holiday has described feeling fortunate to be alive. Becca Reed, 25, from London, was celebrating her 23rd birthday in Turkey when she dove to catch a volleyball and struck her head on the pool’s concrete base. Initially believing she had only whiplash, she spent days managing the pain with painkillers, unaware that she had crushed two vertebrae in her neck.

It was only after returning home and seeking medical advice that Becca learned the full extent of her injury, which required two surgeries and years of rehabilitation. “When I did eventually see a doctor, the first thing she said after I told her what had happened was, ‘I’m surprised you’re not dead,’” Becca told PA Real Life. Doctors credited her strong back and shoulder muscles, built from years of gym workouts, with holding her spinal cord in place and helping her survive.

Before the accident, Becca led an active lifestyle, enjoying weightlifting, skipping, and boxing, and had only one previous injury, a torn ACL at 17. The dive that changed her life happened during a pool volleyball game, when her head hit the bottom first, leaving her floating and unsure if she could move. Despite the pain, she stood up and climbed out of the pool, attributing her symptoms to severe whiplash rather than a broken neck.

After her pain worsened, Becca sought emergency care where scans revealed her C5 and C6 vertebrae were crushed. She underwent two operations at the Royal London Hospital—one to replace shattered vertebrae with metal and another to stabilize her neck with rods and screws. The surgeon noted that her unusually developed muscles, thanks to her fitness routine, were crucial in keeping her spinal cord intact.

Recovery was a long and challenging process, requiring Becca to relearn basic movements like turning over in bed and walking, while also grappling with mental health struggles. Supported by family, friends, and Spinal Research, she committed to rebuilding her strength and trust in her body.

“My body held on for dear life when I didn’t know it needed to… so I really needed to spend some time getting my body back to where I trusted in it again,” she said. Six months post-injury, Becca began lifting weights again and in early 2024 started running to rediscover her passion for movement.

Nearly three years after the accident, she is preparing to run the TCS London Marathon to raise funds and awareness for Spinal Research, the charity that supported her recovery. She encourages others to stay active, saying, “If there’s one thing that comes out of any of this, it’s me advocating for people to get in the gym and be active.

I didn’t realise it would save my life, and you don’t want it to be too late, so start now.” Becca’s story is a powerful reminder of resilience and the unexpected ways fitness can impact survival. To support her fundraiser, visit justgiving.com/page/becca-reed-spinal-research.