Hospital unit was so vital when vein burst in my brain (From Worcester News)

Hospital unit was so vital when vein burst in my brain

9:10pm Friday 12th March 2010 in

• Skip social links
• Print
• Email
• Comments(0)

A MAN who fought back from a devastating brain condition is battling to save the hospital unit that helped him rebuild his life.

Peter Gordon, aged 37, said he was indebted to the staff of the acquired brain injury unit (ABIU) at Evesham Hospital for the way they helped re-educate him after a brain aneurysm left him with stroke-like symptoms.

He is now helping to put together a petition to send to Kevin Brennan, the Minister for Education, urging him to rethink cuts to South Worcestershire College’s adult learner budget and save the centre from closure.

Mr Gordon, of Burford said: “I owe the ABIU so much. In 2006 a vein burst in my brain and I lost the use of my right-hand side, like a stroke.

“Before I fell ill I worked as a mechanic for 17 years and was told by doctors that I would never be able to return to this occupation.

“I was then told about this unit. I can now walk, talk better and have so much more confidence. The staff have worked wonders with me.

“The unit also suggested I could do some volunteer work, so the Vale of Evesham School kindly let me help out there. I enjoyed it so much I decided to become a teaching assistant and in the next few months I will be starting supply work in that role.

“The staff at the unit have helped re-educate me to make my new career possible. I never thought I would return to work. This is all due to them.”

A meeting last week between South Worcestershire College’s principal Michael O’Brien, and the Government’s Learning and Skills Council secured a restriction on the amount of funding cuts to be imposed.

Mr O’Brien said: “It still leaves a shortfall of £43,000, but we will continue to investigate all sources of additional funding to bridge this.”