Coach driver from Carlisle speaks out after head-on crash

Paul Farish, of Carlisle, was driving a coach party to Cardigan Bay in Wales when a car entered his lane and collided with his vehicle.

The 63-year-old was trapped in his cab and had to be cut free by firefighters.

He was taken to hospital with multiple fractures to his right leg, requiring reconstructive surgery.

The collision happened near Cleddau Bridge in South Wales on September 5, 2023.

Following the incident, Mr Farish instructed serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help him access the lifelong treatment and therapies he requires.

The legal experts secured private rehabilitation treatment for Mr Farish, allowing him to access additional support to maximise his recovery.

Over the past 12 months, Mr Farish has undergone multiple surgeries, including skin grafts.

He is also working with NHS and private physiotherapists and undergoing intensive work in the gym to regain his mobility and physical strength.

Mr Farish has also been supported by trauma support charity Day One as well as Jubilee House, a residential rehab centre near Penrith, which is part of The Fire Fighters Charity.

To mark Major Trauma Awareness Week, Mr Farish is joining his lawyers in speaking about the incredible work undertaken by Jubilee House and Day One to support those with major injuries.

Laura Gabbey-Cristofini, the specialist serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Mr Farish, said: "The past 12 months have been extremely traumatic for Paul and his family, as he continues to come to terms with his injuries and the impact they’ve had on his life.

"Paul has been through so much.

"While he’s made remarkable progress in his recovery, he still faces many challenges.

"Nothing can alter the trauma Paul has been through, but we’re determined to help him make the best recovery possible.

"In the meantime, we join Paul in supporting Major Trauma Awareness Week.

"Paul’s story vividly highlights how anyone’s life can be changed in an instant, but also the vital role of charities like Day One and the Fire Fighters Charity provide.

"Nobody should have to live with the consequences of serious injury alone as help and support is available."

Mr Farish on an Anti-Gravity Treadmill (Image: NQ)

Before the collision, Mr Farish was a passionate traveller, having travelled around Asia and many European cities.

He hopes to do so again as his recovery continues.

Mr Farish said: "I’ll never forget that terrible day.

"I owe the firefighters who cut me out of the wreckage my life.

"It’s been a difficult rehabilitation journey since that day and to get back to some of the life I once had.

"I knew I was lucky to be alive, but my injuries risked my future, and while there have been low points along the way, I’m grateful to everyone who has helped in my recovery.

"I’m under no illusions that there’s a long road ahead, but the support from everyone has been invaluable to me.

"I can’t begin to express how grateful I am to all of them.

"In the darkest times, a peer supporter provided a listening ear in my time of need and that’s something I’ll never forget.

"As part of my recovery, I’m hoping to train to become a peer supporter myself, to give something back and support other victims of major trauma.

"It’s not just the physical scars that stay with you.

"Each day is also a mental battle, and I hope by telling my story I can support Major Trauma Awareness Week and encourage others who find themselves in my position to seek the help that can transform their lives."

There are around 20,000 major trauma cases in England and Wales every year, and the average age of patients is under 40 years old.

With more people surviving major trauma, there is a need to provide comprehensive support so everyone can make the best recovery possible, says Day One.

Organised by trauma support charity Day One, Major Trauma Awareness Week runs from September 16 to 22.