Brain Injury Team supports remarkable recovery journey

Returning from a holiday in the Lake District in December 2024, Sam Kirby was seriously injured in a road traffic collision, sustaining life-changing injuries including a brain injury and multiple fractures to both his arms and legs. At the time, no-one knew whether he would regain consciousness or what his recovery might look like.

Sam was admitted to the Neurology Ward at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital before transferring to a specialist rehabilitation unit. He spent nine months in a low awareness state before beginning to emerge and make progress. When he returned home in September 2025, his rehabilitation continued with support from Gloucestershire Hospitals' Brain Injury Team.

After 10 months in hospital and having to relearn how to walk, eat and talk, Sam set himself a goal: to walk up Helvellyn in the Lake District with some of the emergency services personnel who helped save his life, alongside family and friends.

Sam was joined on the walk by many of the people who have been part of his recovery journey. Among them were members of the emergency services who cut him free from his vehicle, along with Senior Physiotherapist Jenni King and physiotherapist Kate [surname] from the Brain Injury Team.

Jenni said: "When Sam first talked about climbing Helvellyn, it felt like a huge challenge, but he has never stopped working towards it. Since returning home, he has continued to make progress and overcome obstacle after obstacle.

"It was a privilege to be part of the walk and to see him achieve something that meant so much to him. Everyone involved was incredibly proud."

About the Brain Injury Team

The Gloucestershire Brain Injury Team supports people living with the effects of acquired brain injury after they leave hospital. The multidisciplinary service includes physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, psychologists and therapy technicians who work with patients to support their recovery, independence and return to everyday activities.

The team continues to support people as they adjust to life after brain injury, helping them manage physical, cognitive and emotional challenges and work towards goals that matter to them. Read more about the Gloucestershire Brain Injury Team.

The walk raised money for charity, but for those taking part it was also a chance to celebrate Sam's progress and reflect on the many people who have supported him since his accident.

For the Brain Injury Team, walking alongside Sam offered a positive reminder of the difference specialist rehabilitation can make and the lasting relationships that are often built along the way.