A YOUNGSTER left paralysed after an horrific road accident has lost the battle against his injuries - nearly 10 years after the smash which left him brain damaged and unable to speak.

Peter MacBenn, then aged 13, was out riding his bike when he was in collision with a car in April 1989. He suffered massive injuries and was not expected to survive.

But thanks to Peter's quiet determination, loving support from his family and carers and the generosity of Lancashire Evening Telegraph readers, he defied doctor's expectations and won the hearts of people in East Lancashire.

For the first seven months after his accident, Peter was silent. Then one day, a nurse's banter unlocked a door in his twilight world and he laughed. From then onwards he could communicate with his family and his carers by either laughing or crying.

An appeal launched in the Lancashire Evening Telegraph in November 1989 helped raised £22,500 to buy and equip an ambulance for his care, and send him to Disneyland. His father Barry MacBenn said: "We were fighting desperately to stimulate Peter but nothing seemed to happen. Then one day he started laughing and that was the only communication we ever established with him. He could only indicate what he wanted by laughing or grimacing. The carers, who were wonderful, learned to communicate with him because they really got to know him. It was a big learning curve for everyone."

After his release from hospital Peter needed round-the-clock care from two people every day. He was looked after by care workers in a house in Blackburn as part of a care in the community programme.

Barry, who lives with his wife Susan, daughter Jennifer, 22, and son Jonathan, 18, in Livingstone Road, Blackburn, said: "The last nine years have been very hard for us but the love and affection shown to Peter by everyone he met was incredible. That helped the family keep going." "At one point we were told we should send him down south so we could get the care he needed. But the money to help him was raised in Blackburn and we wanted him to stay close to his home.

"The funds raised went towards buying a big red ambulance which we kitted out as a care centre for Peter. He has also been to Disneyland thanks to the appeal."

The idea behind the ambulance was to encourage Peter's progress by involving him in the outside world. The money raised locally also helped fund a hydrotherapy bath and lifting equipment to ease Peter's care.

Mr MacBenn said: "People were so kind when they heard about Peter's story and I have got pages and pages of names who have helped him. Almost every part of the community helped. The town got so involved that the people should know how things have ended."

Peter, aged 23, died on Friday in Queen's Park Hospital after his condition gradually deteriorated.

Peter's funeral will be held on Friday at Pleasington Cemetery. The funeral service will begin in the chapel at 10am. Donations in his memory, if desired, can be made to the Blackburn Rovers Disabled Supporters Club, c/o Mr C Bardley, 30 Belgrave Close, Blackburn, BB1 1UR.

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