Olly Mithchard: Sun, sea and solo travels

Olly Mitchard’s life changed in an instant when he was knocked down by a motorcycle as he walked across a Zebra crossing in March 2012.

He had to relearn to walk and now lives with epilepsy, sleep apnoea and PTSD since sustaining a traumatic brain injury (TBI), but remarkably his health conditions haven’t put him off exploring the world.

What’s more inspiring is that Olly often jets off solo, soaking up experiences in far-flung places like Kenya, Borneo and Australia.

Olly, from Bristol, can’t remember much of his accident and describes the first few months as “an absolute blur”.

He said: “I was constantly in pain and didn’t really have an understanding of what had happened. I had to go to the Head Injury Therapy Unit and relearn my vocabulary and how to walk.

“I’ve got epilepsy and sleep apnoea now, and it can be frustrating. I also struggle with PTSD since my injury, and in the past I have been very stressed and anxious.

“My accident happened outside a primary school on a Monday morning. I always think if it had to happen, thank God it happened to me – a grown man – and not a child. Of course, I wish it didn’t happen at all, but I wouldn’t want it to happen to anybody else.”

Olly’s recovery has come a long way in the 14 years since his accident. He is working part-time and saves up for his next adventure.

Olly has experienced six weeks solo backpacking around Australia, visiting Sydney Opera House, the Australian Grand Prix, and popular filming locations for TV shows Neighbours (Ramsay Street) and Home and Away (Summer Bay).

He has also enjoyed trips to Barbados, Borneo and Kenya, and mostly recently Uganda in May this year, where he volunteered at a monkey sanctuary he previously visited as a tourist.

He said: “Going to Borneo was mind-blowing to me, to be able to see the monkeys in the wild.

“I volunteered at a monkey sanctuary in May this year. I helped to feed the monkeys and prepare their food; it was another amazing experience.

“To me, I’ve been given another chance at life.

“I ask myself, ‘do you sit at home longing to go to Australia or Borneo but don’t because of the fear factor’, or do you think ‘come on, look at what you’ve achieved since your injury’.

“Whenever I’m abroad, I always talk about my brain injury and raise awareness of it.

“I appreciate a lot of people will be scared or nervous of solo-travelling and every person’s injury is different.

“But you know how to manage your symptoms and it’s about giving yourself that self-confidence to go. And to not be afraid to ask for help when you are travelling; ask for directions, help with your bags, whatever it may be.

Olly’s travel top tips

Create a check list

“Always write everything down! Even if you think it’s minor or something silly, write it down. There may be things you need to action ahead of your trip; for example, I need a letter from my doctor for my CPAP machine for my sleep apnoea, so that it can medically go through.”

Take photos

“I still take ‘old school’ camera photographs and have them developed. I’ve got photo albums full of my trips, and whenever I feel a bit low or nostalgic, I’ll flip through my album and reminisce about my trip, as well as remind myself ‘look what I did!’ It’s important to remind myself of how far I’ve come.”

Take out travel insurance

“I always take out travel insurance before I go on my trips. It helps with my peace of mind to know I’m insured and covered and can enjoy my holiday.”

Pack your Brain Injury ID Card

“I’ve got my ID Card that I carry with me every day. I often find that because I can walk, talk and I seem okay on the outside that people don’t think I have a disability. We know that not every disability is visible, so having my ID Card helps explain my injury. My ID Card helps with my independence.”

Ask for Airport Assistance

“I always ask for one-on-one airport assistance to help me get through security and up to the gate. Rather than having to queue and get all flustered, somebody will meet you at the airport when you arrive, help you check in, right the way through to departure gate, and on to the plane if you need it. I also organise having someone meet me at the other side when I land. If you’re using a travel agent when booking your holiday, they will be able to organise airport assistance for you.”