Supporting Action For Brain Injury Week

A young man from Barnsley who sustained spinal and head injuries in a road traffic collision has learnt to walk again despite being told by doctors that it may never happen.

Conor Lynch has been focusing on getting better after he was a passenger in a car that collided with a wall. He and two other passengers were injured. At the time of the crash, Conor had just turned 20. 

Conor, who is from Hoyland, was taken to hospital by ambulance with fractures to his spine, collarbone and left shoulder blade, as well as a head injury. He was discharged from hospital in a wheelchair and was advised he may never walk again.

Following the crash, he instructed expert serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help him access the specialist rehabilitation and therapies he requires. As a result he has made significant progress in his recovery.

Conor has defied doctors to walk again and has competed in the Super Tri series – a triathlon for people with disabilities.

Conor has now joined his legal team in supporting Action for Brain Injury and talked openly for the first time about his determination to overcome his injuries.

Expert Opinion

“Brain injuries can continue to impact on people’s lives many years after they were originally hurt.

Action for Brain Injury Week is an important time to raise awareness of the challenges that those affected can face, and of the support available to them.

With the right support, many people with brain injuries go on to lead relatively independent lives.”
Rachel Cox - Solicitor, Healthy Mind Advocate & Wellbeing Lead for Sheffield

Conor, now 21, reports that he has noticed his senses are reduced since the crash, which happened in September 2017. However, he is working hard on his independent living skills with his occupational therapist and is aiming to return to driving and baking. His parents Karen and Andy have completed an annex on their home for Conor to move into until he is able to live independently. 

He said: “Recovering from the crash hasn’t been easy for me or my family. I find it particularly hard to concentrate and I suffer from fatigue and short term memory loss.

“I was told that I may never walk again, but I proved the doctors wrong. I took part in the Superhero Tri last year – where I walked, cycled and swam. I am hoping to take part again this year to try and improve on my time. I just want to keep getting better.”

Action for Brain Injury Week runs from 20-26 May. Organised by the charity Headway, this year’s theme is ‘Brain Drain – Wake Up To Fatigue.'

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in handling serious injury cases