Kyles Story

Kyle’s nickname was apt for his outlook on life: “Happy,” a bright light in this world who always has time for you and would make everyone around him smile.  However, after being assaulted at work recently, his spark for life has somewhat dimmed and financial pressures are mounting.  This is Kyle’s story…   Growing up wasn’t the easiest, Kyle has significant hearing loss, ADHD and dyslexia; so, he would become easily distracted and bored at school.  Described by teachers as the “loveable rouge,” they would struggle to discipline him as he was a good kid with a big heart and just too funny.  He excelled in all things physical and had always wanted to be in the army, but due to his hearing, he was prevented from doing so. Despite this and knowing one day he would have to give it up, he joined the army cadets as a teenager and flourished.  He completed his training, was regularly out on exercise, became an expert marksman and represented the North-East Army cadets in sporting events.  He quickly rose up the ranks and became a mastwr cadet Sergeant Major, an accolade which earnt him an invite to a garden party at Buckingham Palace. Upon turning 18, he didn’t want to give up his passion and instead, became an adult instructor, aiding other children to develop their skills in the cadets.   After moving to London, Kyle became a prison officer.  Despite the long hours, in tough conditions, he liked to keep busy and help as many people as he could, so he also became a fire fighter as well.  This meant he was always on call to help in emergency situations and busy spells.  He was calm under pressure and loved the camaraderie these jobs provided.  Helping others in their time of need was second nature to him, so much so, that he helped organise and played in a 29 hour, 31-minute-long, rugby match in aid of the Firefighter’s charity and Scotty’s Little Soldiers charities.  A feat which earnt him and his team mates a Guinness World Record.  Kyle truly is the perfect example of selfless commitment to the community.   His experiences in the prison service provided him with a passion for mental health and to help those in crisis.  He actively sought out University places who would be willing to take him.  After securing a place, he started his Mental Health Nursing degree in September and was absolutely loving it.  Whilst studying, he dropped feom full time hours to a part time role in a psychiatric hospital.  Kyle’s future was looking bright.  An intelligent, loving, confident and fun 32-year-old, with a wealth of experience, looking towards a new career!   Early January 2020 however, whilst working at the hospital, a patient badly assaulted Kyle, causing head injuries.  He was placed into an induced coma and airlifted to hospital.  Kyle remained in a coma for 2 days, tubes breathing for him, while specialists established the extent of his injuries.  He was woken from the coma but didn’t recognise himself, his family or his friends. It was truly devastating.  Although his memory has improved slightly, he still has some memory loss as well as slow cognitive function, delayed stammered speech and absent seizures. Despite now being discharged form hospital, we do not know whether Kyle will ever fully recover.  He certainly has a long road ahead of him with specialist appointments, speech therapy etc.  Day to day living has completely changed.  He requires 24/7 care from his dad.  He is not able to work and has had to put his University degree on hold for the foreseeable future.  He has also had his motorbike and car driving licences revoked because of the seizures, which further strips him of any independence, should he recover.   This assault has caused significant injury to Kyle and perhaps changed his life forever.  He shouldn’t have to worry about his financial situation during a time like this, but he is.  This is because his student loans have, understandably, been stopped due to him not being able to attend University.  Therefore, he only has his part time sick pay coming in, which is a basic rate and is for a limited amount of time.  With monthly bills to pay, he is constantly worrying that he won’t be able to keep up payments and will fall into debt.  The additional stress has already caused his seizures to worsen and is having a detrimental impact on his recovery.  For a man who has given so much to help others, it’s now time to return the favour by donating to help Kyle.   If you can, please donate now to help ease the pressure on Kyle whilst he is recovering and please, share his page.  Thank you for taking the time to read this.