Darren sustained a traumatic brain injury as a consequence of a motorcycle accident on 10th May 2021. Darren was treated at University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff initially before being transferred to the Neuro-rehabilitation Unit at Neath Port Talbot Hospital, where he commenced his in-patient neuro-rehabilitation before his discharge home in June 2021. Darren continued working towards his neuro-rehabilitation goals with the support of the Community Brain Injury Service since December 2021.

The Community Brain Injury Service works with patients aged 18 and over who have traumatic brain injuries, helping them to live as full and independent life as possible. The Service has a multidisciplinary team including speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, clinical psychology, a rehabilitation coach and a music therapist. Our patients have access to neuro physiotherapy outside of our service if required.

Although Darren has made significant progress in his recovery from the brain injury, he continues to experience difficulties that affect his day-to-day life which will remain life-long.

Brain injury can affect a person’s cognition (the way we think, learn, and remember). Since the brain injury, Darren has experienced difficulty with memory, concentration, and his speech.

Darren initially experienced dizzy spells when standing and hearing loss, which impacted on his balance and mobility. Darren had to learn to build his confidence and stamina initially using a stick while walking with pacing himself and gradually increasing the distance he walked.

Since the brain injury Darren has experienced fatigue which is one of the most common effects of brain injury. Fatigue is a feeling of lacking energy or strength that can come on gradually or immediately which does not improve with rest. Fatigue can adversely impact other areas of life such as mood, concentration, and memory.

Brain injury can also result in a range of emotional changes, for example experiencing more intense emotions and mood swings. Increased irritability is common following a brain injury and many patients require support to learn strategies to tolerate and manage their frustration and anger.

“Darren has worked with the Community Brain Injury Service for the past eighteen months. It is fantastic to see the steady progress he is making.”

Rob May, Generic Technician, Traumatic Brain Injury Service

“We know that positive outcomes within neuro rehabilitation require a holistic approach which focuses on individuals’ strengths and providing opportunities to carry out meaningful activities on a daily basis. This is key to reintegrating individuals into their own lives.”

Helen Bankhead, Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist, Traumatic Brain Injury Service

Now, nearly 2 years to the day of his accident, Darren is taking on a huge challenge to get back on a bike, but with no engine this time. Darren is completing a sponsored bike ride from Dunvant Rugby Club (Broadacre, Killay, Upper Killay, Swansea SA2 7RU) on Saturday 24th June 2023 at 11am. They will be cycling down to Verdi’s (Knab Rock, Mumbles Rd, Mumbles, Swansea SA3 4EE) and then back to the rugby club.

Darren wishes to say thank you to all the staff that cared and continue to care for him through his brain injury.

Money raised from this event is for the West Traumatic Brain Injury Service YB39

In the event of adverse weather conditions, this bike ride will be postponed to a later date. We will update once this has been decided.