A musician who was seriously injured in a crash has said that being able to play her instrument again for just a few minutes felt like "getting part of herself back".

Clara Simpson was traveling from Manchester to Sheffield for her first day in a teaching role at Sheffield Music Academy when the car in which she was a passenger hit a large patch of ice and flipped onto its roof.

The incident, on A57 Snake Pass on 1 March, 2025, left the then 26-year-old in hospital for ten days with two fractured vertebrae.

The 28-year-old said: "It was the most terrifying experience of my life. When I was told I'd broken my neck, I genuinely thought everything I'd worked so hard for was over."

Originally from Toronto in Canada, Clara moved to Manchester in 2021 to complete her postgraduate studies, and has since worked as a freelance classical cellist, touring and performing internationally.

Following the crash, she developed a condition which weakened one of her vocal cords after surgery through the front of her neck to treat her spine.

"The cello is a very physical instrument and at that point I couldn't even move my body," she said.

"My mobility and strength have come a long way since the crash and I'm grateful to be able to play the cello again," she said.

"The first time I was able to sit with my cello again was incredibly emotional.

"Music has always been such a huge part of who I am, so even playing for a few minutes felt like getting a part of myself back," she added.

"Recovery can be unpredictable and non-linear which has been something that's difficult for me to come to terms with.

"I wish there was a magic button that I could press to bring me back to 100% health," she said.

"I often get delayed pain after playing or doing anything physical which can make it challenging to know how to pace myself."

The injuries had a "major financial impact" on her because she was unable to work for some time.

"Work disappeared while I was recovering and, alongside the costs linked to my injuries, it's been a real struggle at times," she said.

Clara said that although she received support shortly after the crash, she wished there were "more systems in place to support freelancers through difficult periods".

Clara said returning to teaching had not been straightforward because of the damage to her vocal chords.

"My teaching and community workshop leading roles often require that I project my voice for extended periods of time, which can still be challenging."

She said she was now looking forward to returning to the stage.

"I know my recovery will take time and there are still difficult days, but I'm determined to keep progressing. Being able to play and teach again means so much to me."