A man who spent 3 months in hospital after a horrific road traffic accident is living independently again after a 12-week stay at Calvert Reconnections.
“Moly”, 58, suffered a serious brain injury and spent 5 weeks in a coma following his accident.
On being discharged from hospital, he immediately began his programme of rehabilitation at Calvert Reconnections.
Calvert Reconnections offers a new approach to brain injury rehabilitation, combining cognitive and physical rehabilitation with vocational and outdoor activities delivered in a non-clinical environment. Activities range from reflective pursuits to higher adventure activities, all closely assessed and graded to a person’s interests and functional abilities.
While Moly’s initial focus was on improving his walking and coordination, his progress was such that he was soon taking part in local park runs.
Moly also worked with Reconnections’ team of neuro physiotherapists at the centre’s state-of-the-art aquatic therapy facility which includes an underwater, self-propelled treadmill. Moly’s aquatic therapy programme enabled him to work on his balance and co-ordination within the safety of the water, allowing him to push himself harder without the high impact of a dry land treadmill.
Moly particularly enjoyed the social aspects of life at Reconnections, strumming a guitar for the first-time during music therapy sessions.
Having completed his rehabilitation programme, Moly is now living independently again on his houseboat in Middlewich. He is also hopeful of returning to work in the future.
Commenting on his stay at Reconnections, Moly said:
“Calvert Reconnections provides such a welcoming environment. The team are so passionate and knowledgeable.
“Together, we identified my rehab goals and worked through a plan to achieve them. It’s been a real team effort getting me back together but it’s one I’ll remember and cherish forever.”
During his time at Reconnections, Moly also penned an inspiring poem sharing his rehab journey. The poem is particularly fitting as the rehab centre is based at Old Windebrowe in Keswick, a Grade II listed Tithebarn and one-time home of poet William Wordsworth.
The poem reads as follows:
Where Wordsworth wrote poetry as he was down on his luck,
I too wrote some verses, down here in this book.
And whilst the daffodils flutter and dance in the breeze,
My stay here is over, and it’s my time to leave.
When I looked around Calvert with my daughter and sister,
I was shown round the place by Rob, Emma and Femke.
Straight from the hospital there was so much to see,
But a nice lunch from Wendy I thought, that will do me.
And so, I embarked on this rehabbin’ lark,
Took a trip into Keswick and a walk round the park.
Little did I know, by walking further and faster,
In no time at all I’d be scaling Blencathra.
It didn’t take long but I soon understood,
There is therapeutic value in a walk in Dodd Wood.
And I learnt that the key to improving my health,
Would never be found feeling sorry for myself.
Been walking up Latrigg, Great Mell, Hallin Fell,
Looked across to Gowbarrow, so I walked that as well.
We went up Ullock Pike, still I wanted some more.
So we went up to Carlside and across to Skiddaw.
I’ve been up on the high ropes and climbing at Kong.
Followed painting on Thursdays with a good ol’ sing song.
Been down at the boathouse, Watchtree and Grasmere.
I could go on for hours, ‘bout the times I’ve had here.
As well as remembering old skills, I’ve been thinking about new things,
Even had a few tries pluckin’ away at guitar strings.
I’ve made pizza from scratch, baked my very first cakes.
Felt strangely uninhibited by the fear of mistakes.
When friends and family visited, they were all made so welcome,
Some went for a walk, some joined the parkrun.
But all were impressed with the work that you’ve done,
Helping me to improve, start again, and move on.
And the time that I’ve spent here, has got me thinking again,
‘bout using what cells I have left in this brain.
‘bout planning my future, ‘coz it’s time to move on,
To my boat and my family, that’s where I belong.
So I need to thank everyone, for all that you’ve done.
For working me hard, and for making it fun.
It’s been a real team effort, putting me back together,
But it’s one I’ll remember and shall cherish forever.