Hayling Island man prepares for fifth triathlon after remarkable brain injury recovery

A Hayling Island man who suffered a catastrophic brain injury in a serious car crash is preparing to take part in his fifth disability-inclusive triathlon.

Andy Read, 34, will dress as Marvel superhero Thor, complete with a brunette wig and specially awarded golden cape, when he competes in the Superhero Tri at Dorney Lake in Windsor on August 15.

The event will mark another milestone in Andy’s remarkable recovery after he sustained multiple life-changing injuries in a crash when he was 20.

Andy was a passenger in a car which careered into a lamppost, leaving him with a severe traumatic brain injury.

He was airlifted to hospital and fought for his life following the collision. At the time, he was unable to walk, eat, drink or speak, and his future mobility was uncertain.

However, Andy has since made significant progress and is now able to walk using a frame, eat and drink independently and communicate through text-to-speech software on an iPad.

He is preparing to take part in the Superhero Tri for the fifth time, guided by the personal motto tattooed on his right arm: “never give up, never back down”.

Andy will also receive the event organisers’ Golden Cape Award in recognition of his achievements and determination.

"They said it was unlikely that I would be able to walk or move around after the accident," Andy said.

"But now I can take part in the Superhero Tri like my motto, 'never give up, never back down'.

"Superhero Tri has given me the determination to do more exercise and keep physically fit and strong and do better each year.

"The atmosphere is amazing and I feel that part of a community that is cheering me on to the finish line. It is a truly special event."

The event, officially titled ‘Superhero Tri, powered by Marvel’, is designed to allow people with disabilities to take part in sporting challenges without pressure or restrictive rules.

Andy has also received praise from his legal representatives at Enable Law, who have supported him and his family following the crash.

Enable Law Court of Protection Operations Lead Shannon McCullough, who is based at the law firm's Plymouth office, said: “We’re extremely proud to represent Andy because he’s such an infectiously inspirational character who is determined to live life to the full.

“His life was turned upside down, but he has approached every challenge with a positive mindset, guided by his ‘never give up, never back down,’ mantra and he is constantly striving to go further than expected."

Shannon also praised Hampshire-based case manager Karen Jeffreys, from Meridian Case Management Services, for “playing a phenomenal role” in ensuring Andy’s needs are met.

She also recognised the physiotherapy team at Hobbs Rehabilitation for supporting his physical recovery.

Shannon added: “Andy’s a very outgoing, sociable person and every time we meet, he’s always smiling and always happy and keen to tell us his goals so he’s wonderful to work with.

“It’s been our role to work with Andy, his family, his case manager and the Hobbs Rehabilitation team to make sure everything is in place financially for his long-term future and personal ambitions like taking part in the Superhero Tri event.

"It's been amazing to see him relish every challenge like a real-life superhuman. Five years ago, Andy was only able to complete the short course, but with the support and determination around him, he is now set to complete the entire course. There's just no stopping him."

Jenny Hatfield, from Hobbs Rehabilitation, will begin the challenge for Andy’s team by completing the swimming section in Dorney Lake.

She will then hand over to Andy and his father, Kevin, for the cycling stage. Andy’s brother, James, will later join them for the final 10km running section.

The Superhero Series describes itself as the UK’s only mass-participation sporting event created specifically for people with disabilities.

Enable Law is a corporate friend of the series alongside organisations including Virgin Atlantic, AIG, Goldman Sachs and Oracle.

Annabelle Vaughan, the Southampton-based Head of Mental Capacity at Enable Law, said: “We are honoured to represent Andy and very proud to support the Superhero Series as corporate friends because we share its values of inclusion and empowerment.

“The Superhero Tri is a phenomenal event and a fitting stage for resilient people like Andy to show how, with the appropriate support and a positive mindset, you can bounce back from the worst misfortunes life can throw at you.”

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