Having lived with a serious brain injury from the age of seven, Jamie has rebuilt his life and is committed to enjoying every single day, supported by a team of specialists around him. NR Times learns more.
Jamie lives every day to the full.
Having lived with a severe brain injury since the age of seven, when he was involved in a road traffic accident, Jamie has rebuilt his life beyond all expectations.
He has developed a love of boxing, which is helping him progress both physically and emotionally, which has proved the perfect solution to his loves of sport and being active.
Jamie went on holiday to New York earlier this year to celebrate his birthday, proving that he has no intention of allowing his disability to hold him back. Previous holidays have included trips to Florida, Las Vegas, and Greece, and he loves riding on white knuckle rides at theme parks.
After sustaining major injuries in the accident as a boy, Jamie was in hospital for the following two years, his parents willing for the day he could come home, yet wondering what the future would hold for him.
But now aged 32, Jamie, from near Staines, is enjoying his life and is proud of his independence.
With the unfaltering support of his parents, his sister, support worker Peter, who has been by Jamie’s side for the past five years, and case manager Eliot, from ILS Case Management, he is showing what can be achieved by having the right people around you.
“We’ve been together now for five years, but it feels like longer, we’ve developed a very strong bond,” says Peter.
“The progress Jamie has made is remarkable. He has come on in leaps and bounds. He is now able to stay in a room and talk and engage for much longer than he ever could, which is a great achievement.”
As a lover of sport, Jamie is only too keen to go to boxing, yet is less keen on the thought of swimming.
“We go swimming every Thursday, Jamie always hates the thought of going, but when we leave the pool he says he loved it,” smiles Peter.
“But when it’s boxing, he bounces out of bed in preparation to go there. He loves it and has made brilliant progress. Physically, he has got so much stronger, and he can carry his weight better through his legs.
“Even after going to boxing for a short time, Jamie’s physio noticed a big difference. He’s now stronger and fitter as a result of doing something he loves.
“I ask Jamie whether he would get into the ring with me, but he says no because we’re mates – so that’s nice to know.”
Jamie also loves getting out and about, with favourite destinations including Brighton.
“He enjoys going into the slot machines there, we’ve had some great days out there,” adds Peter.
“Jamie loves to travel and being out, which helps to show his spirit and determination.”
Jamie loves shopping, especially buying gifts for family members for Christmas.
His mum and main carer Lucy says: “I cared for and supported Jamie for many years largely on my own. Jamie and Peter spend Monday to Friday day times, from 9am to 5.30pm, shopping, cooking, meeting friends and doing activities at Disability Initiative, playing games, going out for a cuppa or a bite to eat, among other activities.
“This gives me time and space to do things I need and want to do. My daughter and I completed a Spartan Race a couple of years ago and raised funds for Disability Initiative – this was a tough but rewarding challenge!
“I support Jamie all the time that Peter is not with Jamie, with support from our wider family sometimes. Jamie’s young niece and nephew help me with supporting Jamie at times. The balance of Peter’s support and family support works really well for our family.”
Case manager Eliot has known Jamie and his family for over ten years and helps with the ongoing support offered to them all.
“Access to the right kinds of rehabilitation and reliable, dedicated support have helped him and his family so much over the years, and the progress he has made is there for everyone to see, Jamie has been fantastic,” he says.
“We have built a great team around him, bringing in us at ILS, Peter, Jamie’s parents, his physiotherapist, his occupational therapist, and this has created a strong structure. We’re always there if we’re needed and are so proud of how far he has come.”
