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Former Ashford School pupil Jane Wisely, from Egerton, restarts music career following crash in Headcorn

A concert pianist who was seriously injured by a careless motorist driving on the wrong side of the road has made an incredible comeback after putting her career on hold.

Jane Wisely, of Rock Hill Road in Egerton, required treatment at King’s College Hospital in London following the serious accident in Smarden Road, Headcorn, in 2016.

Jane Wisely was injured by a motorist driving on the wrong side of the road
Jane Wisely was injured by a motorist driving on the wrong side of the road

At the time, Jane and her mum Marion were cut out of their Ford Fiesta and transported to the William Harvey Hospital.

Businessman Paul McCreery was cleared of two offences of causing serious injury by dangerous driving but convicted of the lesser charges of careless driving the following year.

He was ordered to pay Jane and her mum Marion Wisely £5,000 each in compensation.

Jane, who is a Cambridge University graduate, has spent three years recovering after suffering fractures of the sternum, collarbone and vertebrae.

But despite the set-back, the 37-year-old - who described the crash as like “treading on a land mine” - feels she is now well enough to pursue her musical career.

The talented pianist is set to make a comeback this month
The talented pianist is set to make a comeback this month

She is preparing to make her first concert appearance since the crash at Ashford School with the Whitehall Orchestra this Saturday at 7.30pm.

The former private school pupil - who completed a music bursary at the school in East Hill - will perform Ravel’s piano concerto for the left hand.

Among the other works being performed are two pieces by Clive Jenkins, and the composer will attend the concert.

Miss Wisely said: “I feel incredibly fortunate to have recovered from my injuries sufficiently to pursue my piano career again."

“I continue with physiotherapy and, very gradually, I am still recovering strength.

The performance is set to take place at Ashford School. Picture: Wayne McCabe
The performance is set to take place at Ashford School. Picture: Wayne McCabe

“I am so very lucky this is happening because my type of injury often doesn’t improve significantly after three years.

“I have always loved playing piano; now it also feels something like an honour.”

To buy a ticket to the evening concert at Brake Hall, click here.

For more real life stories, click here.

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