Injured Olivia Corbiere back in Sheffield after Bulgaria ski crash

Olivia Corbiere remains in hospital with serious injuries, her family said

A woman who fell into a ravine while skiing in Bulgaria is back in the UK after undergoing life-saving treatment.

Olivia Corbiere, 23, from Aston, near Sheffield, suffered serious injuries including a brain bleed and lung damage in the accident on 17 March.

She was now recovering at the city's Northern General Hospital, her mother, Linzi, said.

"She's got a long way to go, but she's back home where she belongs and she's having the best, best care," she added.

Olivia, an experienced skier, had gone on holiday to Bankso, in southwest Bulgaria, following her birthday, Mrs Corbiere explained.

'Lucky to be alive'

On the day of the crash, Olivia was out skiing with others when she came off the track and fell 20ft (6m) into a ravine, with strangers rushing to pull her out of the water, according to her sister Phoebe.

Following the accident, Olivia was placed in an induced coma, needed brain surgery and was "lucky to be alive", Mrs Corbiere said.

Once back in the UK for further care and treatment, NHS staff had to "start from scratch" as hospital paperwork was not in English, Mrs Corbiere added.

However, in the last couple of days, Olivia had started standing and taking small steps, which was "amazing news", her mother said.

"She's here with us, she's talking. We know we're looking at least a year [until she is] back at home, going to work. We know it's a long, long road."

A fundraiser has been set up to support Olivia through her recovery and has so far raised £26,000

While Olivia, an experienced skier, was not thought to have any memory of the crash, she did remember small bits of her holiday, Mrs Corbiere said.

"She's on heavy pain medication, but has her moments when she perks up. She's getting better and we never thought we'd be where we are just two weeks since her surgery," Olivia's sister added.

Now, her family has begun planning trips out to help her recover in different environments, or to treat her to a concert.

A fundraiser set up to support Olivia, a kitchen designer, through her recovery and while she is unable to work has so far raised about £26,000.

Mrs Corbiere said: "The support we had in Bulgaria was immense and that's continuing while we're in Sheffield.

"It's so comforting for Olivia and us that we've got the people of Sheffield, and across the UK, looking after us."