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In October 1998, 18 year-old Peter Burkin was involved in a car crash. His severe head injuries left him in a coma

Peter Burkin with his mum, Linda July 2002

It was an appalling shock for the Burkin family when they realised just how badly Peter's brain had been affected by affected by his accident. After a couple of days, Peter's sedatives were reduced and the Burkins hoped that he would regain consciousness. He did not - instead he slipped into a coma.

For four months his parents, Linda and Terry, and his sister Sarah stayed by Peter's bedside, watching for the smallest sign that he was trying to communicate with them. They were told by the hospital that Peter had a brain stem injury and that he was now in a persistent vegetative state. It was a good as it was going to get and he would be in an institution for life.

Linda cried and cried. She then unhooked her son from his tubes and wheeled him to the dayroom. There she gave him what she describes 'as the biggest talking to of his life!' She felt his hand tug at hers.

After six months Peter managed to say the word 'Home'. Three years later he got there...



Listen to the Burkin family's story



More information
Headway
OMNI Brain Injuries
The Child Brain Injury Trust
BBC Health Awareness - Brain Injury
NHS Equip Head and Brain Injuries - Links
Rehab UK - Brain Injury Services