David White, a 34-year-old from Rogerstone, Newport, who suffered severe skull injuries after a fall during a paintballing day out in September 2020, is launching an in-person community support group for people with acquired brain injuries.
Life-changing fall at activity centre
Mr White fell within the grounds of an activity centre, hitting his head on a rock as he landed. The impact broke the right side of his skull, causing a right-sided acute subdural haematoma with right-sided acute subarachnoid haemorrhage and multiple haemorrhagic contusions. He spent eight weeks in a medically induced coma after being rushed to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff.
He underwent two surgeries, and a titanium plate was placed in his skull. Four months of rehabilitation at Rookwood Rehabilitation Hospital followed, an ordeal which meant the end of his career as an engineering consultant.
Struggles with mental health during recovery
As he faced the reality of his new limitations, including reduced mobility, Mr White admitted he found it hard to cope at first. "My mental health was absolutely atrocious whilst I was in hospital, and it wasn’t a very good time," he recalled. "It is my fault because I am always comparing myself to everyone. Some people with a brain injury recover really good.
"My mobility is not the best, and you see some people wandering around and doing things, but they have other problems inside which are not as visible. It is such a varied thing that there are different problems with everyone all the time."
He added: "I didn’t have anyone to speak to during my recovery as it happened around Covid time. It was terrible. I got to see an ex-partner once, my mum once, and a joint visit together, and so it was three visits in six months all together. That was depressing, but then, not seeing anyone who had had a brain injury, and not knowing much about a brain injury itself, you kind of think the worst of the worst."
From wheelchair to creating NeuroBuds
There was a time Mr White was permanently in a wheelchair, and he went through various adaptations of walking aids until he was able to walk freely. He explained his mental health had drastically improved from being "unbearable" to more positive, and words from his mother concerning his time in hospital had resonated with him.
He said: "I know my mum had said that she wished she had someone to speak to all that time when I was in hospital. Hearing that gave me a focus for something to do, and when I’m focused on doing something it gives me positivity. For a long time, I did feel really negative, but it was until I found reason to do something that turned things around for me."
Mr White created NeuroBuds, an online support community for both brain and spinal patients, which, using social media, shares regular stories, infograms and signposts people to services to assist them during recovery, developing a strong following. He also volunteers at his local neuro rehabilitation ward at University Hospital Llandough, where he chats with survivors and families.
Awards and new in-person group
His efforts resulted in him winning numerous awards, including the British National Healthcare volunteer of the year award, Welsh start-up of the year award for NeuroBuds, and he was a finalist in the Headway achiever of the year. He has also been nominated for an upcoming award, in the South Wales Community Awards in the volunteer or fundraiser of the year category.
Now he is taking it a step further by creating an in-person group for people to visit once a week in Newport. He explained: "I’ve become an ambassador for The Brain Injury Group, and we’ve decided there is need for a community out there where people can come and sit down, have a chat, and maybe get some professionals to come in and talk about their services. It is about creating somewhere for people to come and have a chat and for them to know there is other people out there like them."
The launch party takes place at Rodney Parade in Newport on September 30 from 6pm until 9pm, before a once a week Tuesday group will be held between 10am and 12pm, also at the football stadium, starting from October 20. It will be a place where people with an acquired brain injury, their families and carers can meet to talk over a cup of tea, with professionals attending to offer tips and advice periodically. More information is available by e-mailing info@neurobuds.co.uk.
