Nikki Hill

'Anything is possible!'

Nikki Hill was just seven-years-old when, after being hit by a car while crossing the road, she sustained a brain injury so severe that she remained in a coma for 28 days.

It was during this time that doctors prepared Nikki's parents for the worst, explaining that the brain stem injury she had sustained would cast a shadow on the quality of life she would have in the future, should she recover at all.

Nikki's mum, Margo, was positive that her daughter's recovery would be far better than predicted and spent hours at the hospital talking to Nikki while she was in the coma. Margo's determination was finally rewarded when one day she took Nikki's hand and asked her if she could hear her. Nikki gently squeezed her hand in reply, giving Margo hope.

Nikki slowly came out of her coma and was transferred to the Nuffield Hospital in Oxford to undergo intense physiotherapy, occupational and speech therapy. It would be the start of a slow but steady journey to recovery.

As a result of the accident, Nikki found herself unable to use her right hand so she has had to learn how to write with her left hand instead. She also suffers from mobility issues and drags her foot slightly when she walks, but otherwise Nikki feels fit and healthy.

"Throughout my life, I've tried to stay positive," said Nikki. "My brain injury didn't affect my schooling too much. Initially, the school wanted to put me back a year, but that was unnecessary as my intelligence was unaffected; all I needed was a teaching assistant to help me.

"Although my social life has always been good, growing up wasn't always easy. I had to rely on my mum for a lot of things and I don't think I really 'grew up' until I was 30. I've also had to cope with being bullied throughout my life, mainly with comments made about me behind my back.

"It's been hard at times, but I've learned to ignore the negative comments. When I hear people saying negative things, I simply ask them in my head 'Would you do this well if you had a serious brain injury like me?'"

Now 36, Nikki lives a very independent life. She was employed with the same company for 14 years until recently being made redundant, she has lived on her own for six years, and drives her car to wherever she wants to go.

"By telling my story, I hope to inspire other people who have to go through what I went through. To these people I say: don't give up! There is always light at the end of the tunnel.

"With hard work and determination, anything is possible."