The unexpected turn
Just over 14 years ago, Phil’s life took an unexpected turn.
A severe cycling accident left him with numerous injuries, including fractures to his arm, back, and neck; but the greatest and longest lasting adverse outcome, was a severe traumatic brain injury.
At the time of the accident, Phil lived with his family and was an accomplished international lawyer and a partner in a prestigious global law firm – a career path that he had diligently worked towards.
The accident wasn’t due to a lack of precautions; Phil wore a helmet and was an experienced cyclist.
But despite these safety measures, his injuries were catastrophic…
For various injury related reasons, the accident has impacted heavily upon Phil’s personal circumstances. He now lives alone and can no longer pursue his career. More widely he is unable (or at least finds it harder) to engage in many activities that formed part of his pre-accident life. There has also been a need for some significant adaptation.
So far as the injury itself is concerned…
Today, Phil lives with several physical challenges, including limited hearing and vision, plus weakness on one side of his body.
Of much greater significance to him though, is the damage to his psychological functions.
These include cognitive dysfunction, including substantial memory loss, confusion, and difficulties with planning and self-organisation (the latter being known as “executive dysfunction”).
However, the most profound effects have been a drastic and negative, reshaping of his emotions, in ways he could never have anticipated.
For quite some time after his accident, Phil found himself to be in “a very dark place, indeed” (in his own words). He considered himself to be a shadow of the former Phil. He had become “Phil v2.0”; and didn’t like such person’s life at all.e felt that H
Over time though, he reached the conclusion that something had to be done about it, and Phil v2.0 needed to be equipped with a full and worthwhile life that is a source of pleasure and pride.
Here are a few of the steps that he has taken to this end:
Rediscovering purpose through advocacy
Phil has embraced a new role in the brain injury community….
In his own words – being “professionally brain injured”!
He has become a sought-after speaker and writer on brain injury topics, sharing his insights with psychology students, occupational therapists/students, and more widely.
He has delivered university lectures and conference presentations. Phil has spoken at Headway events and was invited to be a “main speaker” at that charity’s last scheduled annual conference. At a recent national annual conference of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, Phil served as the closing plenary speaker.
For Phil, these activities serve not only to educate others but also to rebuild his sense of purpose and self-worth.
Speaking about his experiences allows him to connect with others and to contribute positively to the brain injury community.
Phil’s work in raising awareness has become a cornerstone of his journey.
Reconnecting with music and sports
Phil’s life after traumatic brain injury has also led him to rediscover old passions, particularly in music and sports. Music has provided a creative outlet, offering him both joy and a way to process his emotions. He plays a range of instruments, including the flute, guitar, and synthesiser, and has even ventured into composing. His music, an experimental blend of modern jazz and ambient techno, may not be chart-topping, but it’s a personal accomplishment that brings him satisfaction and a sense of normalcy.
In addition to music, sports have remained an essential part of Phil’s life. Although he now relies on a tandem due to visual impairment, he continues to cycle, and he’s taken part in numerous running events, including several half-marathons. Phil also participates in parkrun, an organisation he has become closely involved with. To date, he’s completed about 400 parkruns and has volunteered nearly 100 times, even advising Parkrun UK on inclusivity for visually impaired participants.
Volunteering: A new professional avenue
In his quest to stay engaged and contribute, Phil dedicates significant time to voluntary work.
He serves on the committee of his local Headway branch and holds the title of ‘Lead Fundraiser’.
He also provides weekly voluntary services for a charity supporting the visually and hearing impaired.
Through these activities, Phil has recreated a sense of routine and purpose; provided a substitute for the career he once had, and they serve as a reflection of his unwavering commitment to give back.
Reflection: A long journey of adaptation
Phil’s journey hasn’t been easy, and he acknowledges the emotional ups and downs. He often feels a deep sadness, a common struggle among those with traumatic brain injury; but his reflections through writing and speaking have allowed him to confront and process these feelings. He has learned to accept that his life now involves a continuous process of ‘learning how to run differently.’
A quotation of Michael Stipe, lead singer of R.E.M, resonates with Phil – ‘A three-legged dog is still a dog, it just has to learn to run differently.’ This is a powerful reminder that while his life may not look the same, it is still his life, and he’s determined to live it fully.
Phil’s reflections offer a window into the resilience required to rebuild after such a life-altering injury. His story serves as an inspiration, a testament to the strength it takes to redefine one’s identity and purpose, and a powerful reminder that, even amid hardship, it’s possible to create meaning and contribute positively to the world.
Phil 2.0 writes and publishes a blog, which seeks to tell the story of a brain injury survivor’s journey. To read, please click on this link – Phil Version 2.0
We wanted to thank Phil for taking the time to share his story. We think it will help others, who are coping with life after a traumatic brain injury.