On the 12th August 2017 my family's whole world was flipped upside down. My Dad had been involved in a serious road bike accident in the Lake District. The Great North Air Ambulance Service were on the scene quickly and were utterly amazing, they flew him to Royal Preston Hospital in an induced coma. We were since told that if it was not for the care my Dad received at the scene of the incident we would not have him here with us today. 

My Dad, Alastair, was in a coma for almost 2 weeks on the Intensive Care Unit in Preston Hospital. He then spent 5 weeks on an neuro-surgical ward. The accident left him with a broken jaw, open wounds on his limbs and life threatening bleeding in and around the brain, a subdural hematoma. 

We stayed in Preston for 7 weeks anticipating my Dad's recovery when we finally got the news he would be heading closer to home- transferred to Ward 26, neuro-rehabilitation ward in James Cook Hospital, Middlesborough. This ward was simply the best thing to happen to my Dad. Every nurse, doctor, healthcare assistant, occupational therapist and physio therapist helped my Dad along his long and difficult path to recovery, and for that I will always be thankful.

The Headway Fund helped me and my family, especially my Mam, greatly after the accident. They were always there to answer any questions we had about my Dad's recovery process and have been so supportive when it has come to my Mam having to take on the role of being my Dad's carer.

I wish I could put into words what these past few months have been like for myself and my family, but that is impossible. I have always known how strong my Dad is, but his strength after this accident has really blown me away. He has knocked down every obstacle that has been in his way, and he still continues to do so. I am so very proud and honoured to call him my Dad.

This is why we, as a family, have decided to take on a number of challenges to raise money for the fantastic charities. Both GNAAS and Headway are wonderful charities that deserve every single penny you donate.

Thank you all so much for your continued support, it means the world to us all.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

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.