Teenager Left For Dead Continues ‘Amazing’ Recovery

The mother of an East Yorkshire teenager who was left fighting for his life after being knocked off his bicycle has spoken of how cycling is playing a big part in his recovery.

Kiernan Roberts, from Elloughton, was 16 when he was hit by the car of a drunk driver and left for dead.  He sustained a serious brain injury, a fractured skull and broken neck.  He underwent three life-saving operations and spent nine months in hospital.

Following the accident, Kiernan’s solicitors Irwin Mitchell recruited a rehabilitation team so that Kiernan could have access to the care, therapies, equipment and housing he needed.

Prior to the accident, Kiernan was a keen cyclist and despite being knocked off his bike he very much wanted to be able to ride again.  After extensive physiotherapy improved Kiernan’s walking, gait and balance, he was able to ride a static bike, which was no small achievement given how physically impaired he was after the accident.

Having gone from strength to strength, Kiernan now wants to take his cycling to the next level and start circuit riding in a supported environment.

Expert Opinion

“Kiernan is an amazing young man. He sustained devastating injuries in the accident but has been determined right from the beginning to make the most of all of the rehabilitation he has had, and consequently he has made huge amounts of progress to the point that he can now participate in various adapted sports including cycling and skiing.

He has demonstrated incredible, commitment, courage and bravery to make the progress he has.

With his static bicycle, Kiernan is able to get back into doing something he thoroughly enjoys and it is fantastic to hear that he wants to push himself even further and look into more advanced cycling.”
Carolyn Heaton - Partner

The crash happened on Elloughton’s Brantingham Road in October 2016. Kiernan returned home from hospital in July 2017, but could barely walk.

He worked intensively with a specialist neuro physiotherapist and occupational therapist and was also given a static bike from a local charity, the Humber Bridge Sportive, with members organising sponsored bike rides to raise the relevant funds.

Kiernan was eventually able to return to college and is now doing an art course at Selby College.  In his spare time he plays in a band alongside his cycling, adapted skiing and keeping fit.

Kiernan’s mum Marie, a local teacher, said: “Kiernan has always had a positive attitude towards his recovery and has continually focused on what he can achieve rather than focus on what he has lost.

“While he still has, and always will have, right-sided weakness, he has recovered so much that he now uses the static bike daily at home to maintain his fitness. 

“He also attends a club with adapted cycles in East Park with his support workers, which allows him to pursue his interest in cycling for leisure as well as to assist with his recovery.”

She added: “Once lockdown is over, Kiernan is hoping to make use of a cycle circuit facility where he can enjoy traffic-free road cycling in a safe and enclosed space.

“There are a lot of these types of facilities popping up, offering families and people that require adapted cycling a chance to ride together without the worry of having to navigate through traffic.

“We are all so proud of Kiernan and what he has achieved in the last few years.  He is a perfect example of never giving up on your dreams no matter what.

“It is heart-warming to know how much support he has out there, and we want to say a big thank you to everyone who has helped him along the way.”

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