Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

My name is Greg and on the 18th September 2003. I was run over by a car travelling at 70mph whilst I was on the pavement. I was 18 years old.

I am raising money for CERU - Central England Rehabilitation Unit. I'd love to tell you why...

At the time, I was training to become a chef - my injuries ended this for me. I was left with a broken skull, memory problems, no sense of smell and needing to relearn basic life skills. I was left with a brain injury.

My primary care was through the NHS, mainly through neurology. I was discharged from them (way too quickly) and then spent the next 10 years being passed between departments - I needed help but there wasn't anyone who could help me.

At this time, I started to misuse alcohol and substances as a way on controlling something in my life and ended up having a huge overdose. I was incredibly lucky to have good friends and my now wife, Louise, to support me in leading a cleaner life. I have now been sober for 12 years. 

A few years later, my mother heard of CERU through a care group - I quickly realised this was the place I needed after the accident. 

CERU needs funding, primarily to be able to reach those in need. To be able to shout about what they do, work with the NHS and find those that need them. 

Secondly, they need funding to be able to support their unit and continue their treatment. CERU support a wide variety of brain injured people: those that have had strokes, have had concussion, have had a brain haemorrhage... the list is endless. A brain injury is an invisible disability, and understanding and education is needed.

CERU support patients via occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, physiotherapy, dietetics, neuropsychology and research.

Climbing the Himalayas is a huge deal for me. During my early recovery, I couldn't remember how to make a cuppa - I never thought I would be at the stage in my life where I would be fit and healthy enough to do this. 

I am paying for all costs myself, and therefore 100% of what is raised will be going to CERU. 

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.