“He began shuffling about on his bum, then he learned to crawl and eventually stood up and was getting about with a walking frame.” Remembers mother, Teresa McKee.
Ten years ago this Friday, Teresa’s son Jamie was knocked down by a car. It was a moment that changed their lives forever. Jamie was just 5 years old. At the time Teresa was told there was little chance her son would survive. If he did, there would be little chance he would walk or talk again. Jamie was in a coma and the odds of him emerging from a vegetative state were low. However, Jamie fought against the odds.
Ten years on, Jamie is walking, talking and enjoying life. He is currently a year four pupil at Blackwater Integrated College in Downpatrick and enjoys spending time with his friends and playing football.
Back in 2005, Jamie spent three months in hospital before he was discharged back to home life. But this was just the beginning. Teresa had to make many adjustments, like moving Jamie’s bedroom downstairs. And Jamie began to learn how to walk again.
But Jamie is very determined:
“He just says, ‘that’s life’. He takes it all in his stride and is so determined. His attitude has kept me strong.”
The family have chosen to celebrate how far Jamie has come in the last ten years with a fundraising event in aid of the Child Brain Injury Trust.
The Charity helped Jamie and his family throughout this time. They have worked to help the family understand the impact of a brain injury, and support Jamie with his behavioural problems. They have worked with his school to ensure they are well equipped to meet his needs, and introduced the family to others who have been through a similar experience.
Teresa will be holding a charity night to raise funds for the Charity, she adds: “It is also a celebration of how far Jamie has come. He has surpassed all expectations”.
If you are interested in holding your own fundraising event for the Child Brain Injury Trust, please contact our Fundraising Team who will be happy to help.