Ted Spurrell and his road to recovery❤️

On Sunday December 15th 2024, it was an ordinary day for Ted Spurrell, a 17 year old boy from near Hailsham. As he was coming home from a day at work at the pub, he was unfortunately hit by a car off of his motorbike and was severely injured.

I happened to be driving home from work at the time, and witnessed Ted lying on the side of the road, his motorbike in pieces. I quickly pulled my car up on the side, and rushed over to help. Ted’s outstanding calmness and bravery left a mark on me that will never leave me. I sat and held his hand and told him things were going to be okay, and he smiled at me and said he was trying his best to remain positive.

Ted’s injuries from the crash included a ruptured spleen and 2 compound fractures in his leg. After days of operations and hospital chair sleeps for his family, the devastating news that 17 year old Ted would have to have his left leg amputated from the knee down, shook his family and him, turning his world upside down.

Since his surgery, Ted has had a steady recovery and has displayed the heart of determination and most importantly, bravery. I had the pleasure of going to visit Ted on New Year’s Eve, and see his cheeky smile once again after the incident. We laughed and spoke about who Ted was before the incident, and the kind of person he wanted to be moving forward. I also had the privilege of meeting his lovely family, who are just as kind and strong as Ted himself.

On my visit to Ted, I told him my good news. His kindness and bravery inspired me so much, that I have decided I am going to run the Worthing Half Marathon on May 4th, 2025, and raise money for Ted and his road to recovery. Ted immediately burst into tears, and told me how he couldn’t quite believe that people in this world could be so kind to him, him and his family were eternally grateful.

Witnessing what Ted went through has changed me as a person, and my perspective of life. Not only to have your world turned upside down in an instant, but to be 17 years old and display so much optimism, kindness, strength and resilience, has made me want to be a better person and give back to Ted. Every morning I wake up, I remind myself how grateful I am to be able to swing my legs out of bed, walk downstairs, drive my car, and other daily activities we take no notice of. This half marathon is a demonstration to Ted that anything is achievable, and to show him just how far kindness and determination can continue to take him. The money raised for Ted is to help him move forward in this new stage of life - however he needs it to, and to support his incredible family in the process. Please spread the word about Ted and his incredible story, he deserves to be recognised for the kind, caring and dedicated soul he is.