Annie Angus, 24, suffered devastating injuries in 2025 when a Mini, travelling at almost 70mph, crossed onto the wrong side of Tom Crisp Way in Lowestoft and struck the Fiat 500 she was travelling in head-on.
The collision, on the 40mph road, left Ms Angus with an open fracture to her left leg, serious pelvic injuries and other trauma which required multiple surgeries.
Annie Angus has gone from exercising in a leg brace to becoming one of the strongest members of her Pilates class (Image: Supplied)
During her recovery, she relied on crutches and a substantial leg brace, with doctors warning one leg could ultimately be left shorter than the other.
Looking for a way to move safely while recovering, Ms Angus turned to pilates classes led by Rise Studio owner Jasmine Marsh.
Ms Angus said: “After my first class, I felt extremely positive as I found I could still move my body, with guidance by Jasmine, without stress or fear.
Annie Angus began attending pilates classes as part of her rehabilitation and says the sessions helped rebuild her strength and confidence. (Image: Supplied)
“A year on, I can’t describe enough how pilates has positively affected me.
“I feel stronger in my day-to-day movements, and I feel like I am more grounded in my body.”
Ms Marsh said Ms Angus arrived at classes while still using mobility aids and required tailored support.
Pilates instructor Jasmine Marsh, owner of Rise Studio, worked with Annie Angus throughout her recovery journey (Image: Rise Studio)
The pilates instructor said: “Initially, we had to work around her brace and crutches and adapt the exercises considerably to accommodate her injuries.
“We worked very gradually on rebuilding her strength, stability, mobility, and confidence, and she was very committed to the process.”
Annie Angus says pilates gave her a sense of normality following the life-changing crash (Image: Supplied)
Rise Studio in Lowestoft opened by pilates instructor Jasmine Marsh (Image: Rise Studio)
While Ms Angus credits doctors and surgeons for her recovery, she believes pilates played an important role alongside her medical treatment.
She added: “Jasmine’s classes gave me the chance to prove to myself I am more than just my injuries, and I can become as strong as my mind and body wish to.”
Rise Studio is based on London Road South in Lowestoft and was opened by Ms Marsh after more than ten years in the fitness industry.
Andrew Fraser was sentenced to 12 months in prison, banned from driving for three years from the end of his sentence, and ordered to sit an extended re-test