Accident victim in line for charity award

WHEN Dominic Hurley suffered a serious brain injury in a moped accident 16 years ago, doctors feared he might never walk or talk again – let alone go on to become one of South Yorkshire's most prolific fundraisers.

However, against all odds, Mr Hurley made a remarkable recovery and is now one of three people in the country to be shortlisted for the title of Achiever of the Year in the annual awards run by brain injury charity Headway, in recognition of the 43,000 he has raised for charity.

Mr Hurley, 37, said: "I was really surprised when I discovered I was a finalist, it's a privilege. To be thought of as one of Headway's success stories means a lot to me, especially since there are so many deserving people out there."

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In 1994, Mr Hurley had just embarked on a year working abroad in Cyprus when he fell off his moped and was knocked unconscious, sustaining a serious brain injury. Four days later he was flown back to the UK by air ambulance, where doctors at Rotherham General Hospital told his parents he might not walk or talk again.

Although he made a recovery, the effects of the brain injury were still obvious. Mr Hurley's right-hand side was virtually paralysed, his speech was badly affected and he also had problems committing things to memory.

Despite these problems, he gained a BTEC qualification, followed by an HND in graphic and web design, and is now planning to launch his own web-design company.

Mr Hurley also qualified as a personal trainer, began teaching spinning classes every week, and became heavily involved with the Rotherham branch of Headway.

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Most of his fundraising has been cycling-related and he once cycled the length of the Tour de France in 23 days – while on an exercise bike in a Rotherham supermarket.

This challenge, dubbed "Le Tour de Asda", raised 11,000 for Headway.

Sadly, Mr Hurley's aim of cycling for his country in the London 2012 Paralympic Games was shattered when he fell off his bike and suffered a shoulder injury in April this year.

He said: "To make it to the Paralympics is my next target, but it's going to be tough as the training and assessment is continuous, and the British team is one of the best in the world.

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"Luckily my shoulder's healing now, although I probably won't make it back on the bike until the New Year."

A spokesman for Headway Rotherham, Kris Mentlak, said: "If anyone deserves to be a finalist in this award, it's Dominic. In the 10 years I've known him he hasn't stopped setting himself new challenges; he aims high and achieves his goals every time. To see how Dominic's condition has improved over time has been brilliant."

The winner of the Headway Achiever of the Year award will be announced at London's Dorchester Hotel on Thursday, December 9.

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