Penrith teenager Ben Ellis hailed the “unreal and amazing” support he had received as he returned home having made an astonishing start to a recovery described by his parents as a “real life miracle”.
Sporty Ben, aged 17, suffered life-threatening injuries but was given prompt treatment by air ambulance medics who responded within minutes of him being hit by an HGV near the town and placed him in an induced coma at the roadside.
The collision occurred on the A66 just after 12-30pm on Wednesday, 14th June. Ben was flown to Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary, where he swiftly underwent a scan and then surgery having suffered a serious brain injury, along with multiple fractures and other damage to his body.
He spent 15 days in the intensive treatment unit (ITU) and was in a critical condition. Ben began waking up over the course of several days during the second week of that spell, with members of the medical team remaining by his side to administer round-the-clock care.
“It was so hands-on,” Ben’s mum, Amanda, told the Herald of their first class treatment. “Until you see it, you just don’t believe it.”
On 29th June, Ben was transferred from the ITU to a neurology ward where he remained until last Wednesday (12th) when, having made extraordinary initial progress, he was allowed to return home.
“They see people walking out of there, but after a few months — not like that after four weeks,” said his dad, Paul, a 50-year-old Cumbria police inspector.
“They are astonished. On the day of his discharge we took Ben back to visit staff in the ITU to say thank you. It was so emotional on both sides. The work they have done is outstanding.”
Ben has taken things easy at his Penrith home since leaving hospital but must make regular future visits to the Cumberland Infirmary’s brain injury department and the RVI. And, say his family, he “still has a lot to do”.
Last Thursday there were emotional scenes as he first visited friends at Penrith’s Queen Elizabeth Grammar School where he is a year 12 student and, later in the day, team-mates at the town’s cricket and football clubs.
Ben has also been boosted by many messages of support, some from sporting heroes.
International cricketer Harry Brook — who is involved in the current men’s Ashes series against Australia — said on one video greeting: “Me and all the England lads are wishing you a really speedy recovery. I hope you will be back to good old ways soon.”
Joe Worrall, captain of Ben’s favourite football team Nottingham Forest, said: “We’re thinking about you. Hope you recover well. Hope you’re in good spirits and still have a smile on your face. Take care.”
And Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson, a Forest loanee, added: “All the best pal. Take it easy.”
Ben said in response: “It’s all unreal, amazing.
“It just motivates me to come back more. People have shown so much love and support, including people I would never have expected.
“It’s nice to know that so many people are thinking about you.”
Amanda, a 49-year-old data co-ordinator for bakery firm Greggs, said of his development to date: “It is a real life miracle.”
Amanda, Paul and their eldest son James, aged 20, have expressed grateful thanks for all backing from family and friends; and from the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) and RVI medical professionals; and also Penrith Cricket Club — including first team captain Greg Cameron — and Penrith AFC. “Plus everybody’s support for Jimmy,” added Paul. “We’ve had him to think about as well.”
An online JustGiving appeal has raised almost £20,000 and the family hope to stage their own fund-raiser in aid of the air ambulance and RVI’s intensive treatment unit in due course.
