Hayling Island man awarded golden cape after completing fifth Superhero Tri

A Hayling Island man recovering from a catastrophic brain injury has been awarded a special golden cape after completing his fifth Superhero Tri.

Andy Read, 34, took part in the event at Dorney Lake in Windsor dressed as Marvel character Thor.

He completed the 20-kilometre cycling section alongside his father, Kevin, while his physiotherapist, Jenny Hatfield, from Hobbs Rehabilitation, completed the swimming leg.

Andy’s brothers James, dressed as Hulk, and Matthew, dressed as Wolverine, then completed the 5k run.

Andy was presented with a special golden cape by broadcaster Clare Balding on behalf of the event organisers in recognition of his achievements.

As previously reported by V2 Radio, Andy was 21 when he was a passenger in a vehicle which struck a lamppost.

He suffered a brain injury, fractured pelvis and multiple facial and skull fractures.

Following surgery and intensive care, he was unable to walk, eat, drink or speak independently.

He has continued to make progress since the crash and can now walk with a frame, eat and drink independently and communicate digitally using text-to-speech software on an iPad.

Hayling Island's Andy Read, 34, taking part in the event at Dorney Lake in Windsor dressed as Marvel character Thor - Credit: Enable Law

Speaking after the event, Andy said: “I’m still over the moon. Being awarded the golden cape was fantastic. It made me realise all my efforts and hard work have been recognised, and I feel so good about myself.

“I had an amazing support team by my side and I would like to thank them, especially Jenny, my two brothers and my amazing dad. They have given me a wonderful feeling because they have made a huge difference to my life.

“Now I’ve taken part in the Superhero Tri for the last five years and I have to say it gets better every year – it really is an outstanding event.

“To cross the finishing line with my brothers was amazing and it’s a feeling I will never forget as everyone cheered us on.

“My message to other people is that nothing is impossible, as the Superhero Triathlon showed and I can’t wait to take part in my sixth one.”

Andy crossed the finish line alongside his father, physiotherapist and brothers.

His father Kevin said: “I could not be prouder of Andy because of the way he has dug deep and shown a tremendous amount of grit and determination to get better.

“After his accident, we were told he would only live for 24 to 48 hours, never walk and never talk so that golden cape for superpowers is very fitting.

“He’s stuck to his personal ‘never give up, never back down’ motto and he’s put his heart and soul into every challenge he’s faced.

“As everyone saw in the Superhero Tri, he’s full of life, full of joy and always willing to give it his all and you can’t ask for more."

Kevin added: “He was beaming from ear to ear all the way round the triathlon course, and we really went for it and the tears from all the supporters as we finished spoke volumes.

“I’m full of admiration for Andy for what he’s managed to achieve – it just goes to show that in adversity you can do incredible things, with the right sort of will and mentality and encouragement of a great team.

“As a family, we’ve really rallied round Andy and love him to bits, but Jenny has been an amazing physiotherapist and is an unsung hero, just like his Enable Law lawyer Shannon McCullough who has made a huge difference to Andy’s life.”

Shannon McCullough, Court of Protection Operations Lead at Enable Law, also attended the event.

She said: “Andy is a truly extraordinary individual whose courage, determination and resilience inspires everyone fortunate enough to know him. At Enable Law, we are immensely proud to call him our client and to witness his incredible journey.

“Over the years, Andy has overcome challenges many would consider insurmountable, proving time and again that the human spirit is capable of remarkable things.

“His golden cape is more than deserved. It's a symbol of strength for a real-life superhero and an outstanding role model for people living with disabilities.”

The Superhero Series Triathlon, powered by Marvel, is a mass-participation sporting event designed specifically for people with disabilities.

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