In 2000 I spent 7 months at The Children's Trust's rehabilitation unit after surviving a coach crash in which three of my friends were killed. I sustained a severe brain injury in the accident, I underwent a craniotomy where the front part of my skull had to be removed and I remained unconscious for more than three weeks.

When I arrived at the Trust I was disorientated and confused. It has taken a great deal of hard work and dedication from the staff at The Children's Trust to bring me back to almost full health ready to take on the world.

I have continued to make the most of my 'second chance' and have worked hard to raise money to help the Trust help others, who like me have an acquired brain injury. I raised £1,275 on a sponsored bike ride just after I left the Trust.

In 2006 I joined a team from The Children’s Trust to walk along the Great Wall of China. It was an amazing challenge and I was thrilled to be able to raise money for The Children’s Trust once again. For almost two weeks we trekked every day to raise an amazing £45,000 for the Trust. I found each day long and tough but the scenery was stunning and it was one of the most amazing experiences of my life.

I now want to take this a step further. Climbing Kilimanjaro is the most ambitious challenge I have set for myself but without all your help, it will not be possible. Any amount of sponsorship, no matter how small, will go towards me achieving my fundraising goal. However more importantly it will help others with brain injuries go on to lead as fulfilling a life as possible with the help of The Children's Trust.

Three of my friends lost their lives in the collision, but I survived.  The accident has left me with a permanent headache.  If I have my head down for too long the pain gets really bad, so I’ve learnt to keep my head up, be positive and always look on the bright side of life.

Many thanks for your support.

James Topping

 

 

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