Yorkshire Brain Injury Victim Inspires Others
A man who almost died after being attacked while on a night out hopes telling his story will help others going through a brain injury overcome their ordeal.
A man who almost died after being attacked while on a night out hopes telling his story will help others going through a brain injury overcome their ordeal.
35-year-old Paul Spence suffered a severe brain hemorrhage after being punched by a stranger in a Hull city centre bar 4 years ago.
He was told by doctors he'd never fully recover but has now rebuilt his life and is supporting other brain injury victims.
Paul says his journey to recovery hasn't been easy - but there is light at the end of the tunnel. He told Viking:
“Everything I have done has been to support others who find their lives blown apart by a brain injury, and about sending out a positive message that things can and will get better if you stick at it and remain positive,” he said.
“Nothing could prepare me or my family for the battle of brain recovery and the difficulties it brought. I was home, but it was a real struggle and I had to be cared for by my family and friends. I faced a two to three year road to recovery, but was told I would never be the same again.
“That was hugely difficult to accept or understand, and part of my identity was lost that day. I didn’t know who I was, or who I would be. It made for difficult time for me and my loved ones.
“I have thankfully come a long way since, but it's a long, hard road to walk, and I just hope this film, which charts my progress, ending with me running four marathons in four days in really tough conditions in Ibiza, proves an inspiration to all others who are facing any kind of struggle in life, not just brain injuries.”
Thinking back to his Ibiza challenge last year, Paul admits it was a gruelling challenge that was even harder than he’d ever imagined.
“If I am honest, it was far tougher than I had expected, and if I had been fully aware of how demanding each of the four marathon courses were going to be when I planned the challenge, I probably wouldn’t have taken it up,” he said.
“However, I did it. The aim was always to inspire people who suffer serious brain injuries and to show what can still be achieved. Giving up was not an option. I wouldn’t let the people down who were following my progress, and I wasn’t going to let myself down either.”
“It is tough road to recovery. You can rebuild your life, you just need to be patient, you need to stay positive, and you need support, as do all of the people around you, and this documentary shows that,” he says.
“I want people who find themselves in a similar situation to me to be able to look at what I have done, and where I am now, and feel there is light at the end of the tunnel. You can get better, but you have to stay positive.
“I can’t believe that I’ve now got a documentary being broadcast on the cinema screen, but it is another example of what you can achieve after brain injury. I really feel the film will be a powerful tool for me in helping many find positivity and belief when they are facing the toughest days of their lives.
“If my story can help just one person through that period in their lives, it will be something to be proud of.”
Paul's story will be shown at the cinema this weekend.
The documentary, “Running to Recovery”, which follows Paul’s three-year journey after his own serious brain injury and ends with him running four marathons in four days around the coastline of Ibiza, will be screened in certain cinemas on Sunday, February 21st.