A former Team GB athlete holding the Welsh decathlon record, Ben Gregory, had recently launched his career as a personal trainer at a private gym in London. He was cycling home from work in August 2022 when a car collided with him, resulting in a severe traumatic brain injury.

Ben was supported in his personal injury compensation claim by Stephanie Clarke, a partner at Stewarts.

After making a remarkable recovery, he is raising awareness of brain injury and how he finds purpose in his life beyond injury.

Ben’s injury

Following the collision, Ben was placed in a coma. He required a ventilator and later received a tracheostomy. He also required a feeding tube, and later needed a PEG tube (inserted through the abdominal wall into the stomach).

As sedation was gradually removed, Ben was assessed as being in a minimally conscious state. His devoted family and friends supported him in hospital night and day, and were told to prepare for the worst.

Fortunately, Ben’s condition stabilised, and he began to make small improvements. He gradually became more aware, started speaking, albeit inconsistently, and was able to engage in some therapy.

Stewarts was able to secure interim payment funding from the defendant insurer at an early stage, which allowed Ben to access the essential neurorehabilitation he required on a private basis. He was transferred as a private patient to The Wellington Hospital Rehabilitation Centre in November 2022.

With one-to-one support, intensive therapy input and a lot of hard work on Ben’s part, he made significant progress. He was discharged home in May 2023 to a new, level-access flat. He was supported by case manager Kay Taylor and a team of private therapists, as well as care from a 24/7 support worker package.

A hidden disability

Ben’s recovery highlights the invisible challenges of a brain injury. On meeting Ben, he is full of energy and exudes positivity. While he has made significant physical improvements, many people would be unaware that he manages every day with significant difficulties.

Ben’s mum, Lorraine, explains the challenges he now faces: “Living with a brain injury, it is hard for Ben to find the motivation and zest for life that was once such a core part of his being.

“These ongoing difficulties, along with short-term memory problems, severe fatigue and agitation, make maintaining relationships and pursuing physical goals very difficult.

“In some ways, Ben’s extraordinary physical recovery makes him even more vulnerable, as he has to live with a ‘hidden disability’, usually unrecognised by strangers who misunderstand his behavioural challenges.

“On a positive note, Ben has retained his sense of humour and fast wit, his love of being among good friends and his natural instinct to help others. He is still the first one to show up and loudly support friends in all kinds of fitness events!”

Finding purpose after brain injury

Ben has continued to receive support from his devoted family and friends to make the most of his life after injury.

In March 2024, Ben was able to return to the World Athletic Indoor Championships in Glasgow with the support of his mum. Although he wasn’t competing, he was able to watch the athletics across the weekend and catch up with friends in the stadium in between the events.

Later the same year, with the support of his family, friends and support worker, Ben was a groomsman at one of his closest friend’s wedding. It was important to Ben to be there for his friend, who had been such a support to him through his recovery.

Ben continues to push himself, and has trained for and taken part in The Adaptive Grandslam challenge, an outdoor hill walking activity.

Next year, Ben will be taking part in a boat race, a new skill he is learning post-injury. He says: “Each time I try it, I’m learning new things, which is encouraging.”

Memory impairment is one of the most difficult aspects of Ben’s brain injury. The specialist neurorehabilitation input secured through the claim has helped him to learn strategies he can use to support this.

Ben says: “I don’t remember my good days. They all feel the same. Not remembering is stressful. I’ve got a trick which helps me now, though. Any day I’m doing something interesting, I take a photo, and then I can flick through, and it brings up the memory for me, which helps.

“It also helps having something in the diary. Someone reminding me that I’ve got something to look forward to and a goal to work towards, like the boat race. Training at Manor Gym helps too, being around friends and chatting.

I’m lucky, I have plenty of help. I can’t imagine my life without it.”

Ben now volunteers at the gym where he used to work and walks his dog, Bailey, by himself, a goal he was determined to achieve. “A good day before my accident was training and competing at a high level, “says Ben. “The best part of my day now is getting up and getting out of the house to walk Bailey. It gives you a purpose even on a bad day.”

Client testimonial

Lorraine Gregory, Ben’s mum, says:

“When Ben was involved in an accident that resulted in him sustaining life-changing injuries in August 2022, all of our lives changed that day.

“It was a world we were poorly equipped to navigate, and we had no clue how to find the professional support that Ben would need to carry him through the difficult and uncertain months ahead.

“Two trusted friends recommended that we contact Stewarts, and soon after, we were introduced to Stephanie Clarke.

“Stephanie and colleagues at Stewarts provided the support, expertise and encouragement we needed to get through those first awful months. As Ben’s case progressed, the expert witnesses appointed by Stephanie were thorough, professional and respected in their fields, so we always felt that Ben was in safe and capable hands.

“We are eternally grateful for all their help and support.

“In the months ahead, we are hopeful that pursuing a variety of treatments and trying new challenges will help Ben to feel more joy in the new version of himself and that time will continue to heal his damaged brain.”

How we can help with your claim

Stewarts has a number of personal injury specialists with experience in acting for clients who have sustained brain injuries. To discuss your prospects of a successful claim, please contact us today on 020 7822 8000 or complete our online enquiry form.