Euxton man beats odds after brain injury (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Euxton man beats odds after brain injury

4:50pm Thursday 19th February 2009 in Chorley By Chris Gee, Reporter

A man left close to death with a serious brain injury after a road accident has capped a remarkable recovery by scooping a national award.

Kevin Mason, 24 from Euxton, was involved in a near fatal accident on his moped five years ago.

He did not think he would ever fully recover or lead a normal life again as his brain injuries meant he couldn’t talk, read or write, or use his hands properly.

But thanks to his grit and determination and rehabilitation support from social care staff at Holly Trees resource centre in Chorley, Kevin has made a recovery.

He is now able to travel on his own on the bus, attend Lancashire College and meet up with friends.

Kevin’s story has recently been acknowledged following his winning entry in a photo competition showing achievements made by disabled adults and he is due to move into his own shared bungalow next month. He said: “The staff here at the resource centre have been brilliant and have helped me a lot. It’s been a tough five years but I’ve come a long way. I know can do things for myself now.

“I can go to college, the gym or the pub and have a pint and a game of pool with my key worker if I want to.

“I can’t wait to get my own place. We will be getting some help at home but I will be in control of my life.”

The competition, A Day in Your Life, was run by Research in Practice for Adults (Ripfa), a research organisation for adult social care.

The aim was to provide disabled people across the country a disposable camera and the opportunity to show their everyday life and experiences through the use of photographs.

Out of 122 cameras and 2,579 images received by Ripfa, Kevin was awarded first place in the best series category.