Maxwell Muteliso

Maxwell Muteliso was a regular 19-year-old on the cusp of adulthood. Like most young men, he enjoyed socialising and having fun and was hoping to further his studies in computer science. Unbeknownst to Maxwell, his life was about to change forever. This is his story.

It's amazing how quickly our lives can change. I was a young bachelor who loved meeting new people. At 19, I didn't have a career lined up but I had hopes, dreams and aspirations. The car accident in November 2002 meant that my aims in life had to drastically alter.

I don't recall the accident, but according to a police report I was a back seat passenger in a car travelling at 100mph on the M1 when the driver lost control. The car somersaulted off the carriageway, rolling several times on the way. I was thrown from the vehicle and emergency services staff had to search for me by the side of the road.

I was taken to the neurosurgical unit at Leeds General Infirmary where I underwent emergency surgery for a skull fracture and a pooling of blood on the brain. I was in a coma for four weeks. I remained in hospital for a further three months before spending an additional eight months in a rehabilitation unit.

My brain injury left me largely wheelchair dependant and I had problems with memory, concentration and fatigue. The first few months were very difficult as I battled with thoughts such as 'I'll never be able to walk again'. In addition, when I was first admitted to hospital I couldn't talk, while my right upper and lower limbs were severely affected and I couldn't stretch out the fingers of my right hand.

Slowly but surely, with a lot of hard work, determination and help, I began to make progress, which continued when I was introduced to Headway in 2003. Joining Headway Leeds was a turning point in my life and it has helped me in so many ways. It enabled me to get out and about and meet new people - something I had always enjoyed before the accident.

The most important thing to me was the sense of responsibility and pride Headway instilled in me when I was given the opportunity to become an official committee member. It was a huge boost and gave me the determination to achieve other things, such as returning to my studies.

In September 2008 I enrolled for an undergraduate degree course called Human Geography and Planning at Leeds Metropolitan University and I will graduate in 2011.

I urge everyone with a brain injury to keep on working hard even if the rewards seem uncertain. Myself, I acquired some of my inspiration from Headway, which has really played an influential role in my life. Headway is now part of me like my own heart beat for it has helped me in so many ways.