At just 18 years old, John from Staffordshire, was enjoying life and training to be a gas fitter. Then one night when John was driving home, his car was involved in an accident, killing his friend.
Over 35 years have passed since John’s crash and the injuries he suffered are still with him. Without the support he receives from Lifeways, John would struggle to carry out even the most basic daily chores.
Today, John is living in his own home supported by Lifeways, where he receives help with daily living skills such as cooking and cleaning.
John said: “I don’t think I could cope, had it not been for Lifeways. Because I have trouble remembering to do things, they really help me organise my life. Without them I would be lost.
“It’s been three decades since my accident. However the repercussions still remain - but with Lifeways’ help I have learned to deal with it.”
John received extensive brain injuries which left him in the intensive care unit at Staffordshire Hospital for seven weeks. After three years in recovery, he was finally able enough to start work again.
Unfortunately, due to the extent of his injuries, he could no longer pursue his career as a gas fitter because he lost all sense of smell. Eventually John found another career working for an electrical company, where he spent the next 20 years.
However, even though John finally managed to get his life back on track, he is still plagued by the injuries he endured decades before. Due to the impact on his brain, John suffers from short term memory loss.
John said: “I can remember everything clearly right before my accident. But for the past few decades, I just have trouble getting my head around small day-to-day tasks."
John is now hoping to get back into work and is looking for a career in gardening.
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