In June 2021, I had a Traumatic Brain Injury. A CT scan at the time showed a left extradural haemorrhage with midline shift and temporal fracture; I underwent a left craniotomy and evacuation of right extradural haematoma.

The amazing people at The Royal Bournemouth Accident and Emergency department, the paramedics who transferred me to Southampton and then the incredible team at the Wessex Neurological centre all saved my life that weekend and I will be forever grateful to you all.

I must also thank the Acquired Brain Injury Rehabilitation Service at Poole Hospital who got me back home and back to work within 6 months and on top of this Bournemouth Eye Hospital because if all of the above was not enough I had emergency Retina Detachment surgery who thankfully saved my peripheral vision in my left eye. 

Finally to my family and friends who have supported me throughout. I cannot even imagine the worry and uncertainty I caused but I am so grateful to you all for the love and support you provided me and continue to provide me.

Brain injury can challenge every aspect of your life walking, talking, thinking and feeling and the losses can be severe and permanent. It can mean losing both the life you once lived and the person you once were.We all think 'it will never happen to me', but every year around 350,000 people are admitted to hospital with an acquired brain injury. That's one every 90 seconds.A brain injury can happen to anyone, at any time. 

The Wessex Neurological Centre provides acute and specialist care to patients from across Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire, West Sussex, the Isle of Wight and the Channel Islands. Support staff, patients and their families by donating today.