The vibrant apprentice hairdresser, who was left a paraplegic after a motorcycle accident last December, had her heart set on returning to her Wagga home in time for her 18th birthday.

Marettia’s determination combined with a positive attitude will see her celebrate her 18th surrounded by her loved ones in Wagga next Tuesday.

“I was not supposed to come back until some time in July and all I wanted was to be home for my 18th birthday and spend the day with my family and friends,” Marettia said.

The speed of Marettia’s progress even amazed doctors and she was allowed to leave hospital on April 30 – a little more than four months after an accident on a Wagga property on December 27 resulted in her being paralysed from the waist down.

“It seemed like I was in hospital forever,” Marettia said. “Being in there was driving me mad ... I just had to get home.”

Marettia had further incentive to make progress as she was keen to continue her hairdressing career, according to mum Vikki. “Initially the only negative thing Marettia said was ‘I won’t be able to be a hairdresser anymore’,” Vikki said.

“But she has always been a determined person and she made sure that was not going to be the case.”

The second-year apprentice was back at work at Baylis Street hairdressing salon Spoilt in May. Spoilt’s owner Anna Tindale has re-designed the salon to cater for Marettia.

“What the salon has done has been wonderful,” Vikki said.

The Wagga community has also banded together for Marettia, holding a number of fundraisers to assist with modifications to the Ralph family home.

“I really appreciate what everyone has done for me,” Marettia said.

“The support I received when I was in Sydney and since I have been home has been amazing.”