Beth Tweddle has taken her first "assisted" steps following surgery on her broken back last week.
The retired gymnast was rushed into theatre to fuse two fractured vertebrae in her neck after she was involved in a horror smash on ‘The Jump’ and, although doctors are unable to confirm how much permanent damage has been done, she’s already showing signs of a positive recovery.
Beth’s parents Ann and Jerry said: "Since her surgery, Beth has managed to walk a few steps whilst being assisted by the nursing team. She is still very tired from the operation but the medical team are pleased with the progress she is making. At the moment we aren’t certain of the timescale for her recovery. We are taking each day as it comes and will update you when there is further news."
The 30-year-old athlete, who has won the title of Britain’s greatest ever gymnast, sparked concern among fans over the weekend when she was airlifted to a hospital in Austria after she ploughed into a barrier and damaged her spine.
Following the shocking accident, Beth has been left with no choice but to leave the competition – making her the fourth celebrity to quit the show due to a life-changing injury.
‘Made in Chelsea’ star Mark-Francis Vandelli, 27, was forced to pull out of the competition earlier this week after he snapped his ankle, which later needed surgery, while battling it out in the aggressive Snow Cross challenge over the weekend.
‘Holby City’ actress Tina Hobley, 44, was also forced to withdraw after she dislocated her elbow and fractured her arm when the crew failed to vacate the landing area.
And Olympic swimmer Rebecca Adlington, 26, has also decided to depart the competition after she dislocated her shoulder while practicing the frightening air jump last week.
Beth Tweddle takes first ‘assisted’ steps after back surgery
