AN ELLESMERE Port man who was given a five per cent chance of survival after sustaining a horrific head injury has made a miraculous recovery.
Doctors had said there was “little chance” university student Leo Gould, 20, of Little Sutton, would survive after he fell from the balcony of his flat, which was about two storeys high.
The former Ellesmere Port Catholic High School pupil, who was studying at Swansea University, had sustained a severe brain injury and had fallen into a coma as a result of the incident, which occurred in mid-April.
He was rushed to Cardiff University Hospital, where he took a turn for the worse after one of his lungs had collapsed and he had also contracted meningitis.
At that point, medics told Leo's family he had less than a five per cent chance of survival, and if he did survive he might never wake from his coma. Ben Thomas, who had attended school with Leo, said it was “one of the most horrible situations anyone can ever imagine”.
He said: "I was told he had slipped from the balcony and had fallen onto the pavement below. He was unconscious immediately.
“They rushed him to hospital where it went from bad to worse. One of his lungs had collapsed and he had contracted meningitis, which is very common when you have a brain injury.
“At that stage we were told he would have little chance of surviving. His family had a service for him. About 60 or 70 people turned up, most of his friends and people who loved him.”
Ben, 20, of Great Sutton, added only a few days after the service Leo "suddenly" woke up. "It was unbelievable. We just did not expect it,” he said.
“He is now making amazing progress. He has different movements and he can now speak. He can also use his phone and his iPad. He is not back to being what he was but we are hoping for the best.
“The fact he is able to do all of this and they did not even think he would survive is absolutely amazing.”
Leo has now been moved to the rehabilitation hospital, Rookwood Hospital, where he is learning how to move his limbs once again.
“My dad and I have now set up a fund, called Leo’s Fund,” said Ben. “We are trying to raise as much as we can. We have already done a bagpack for him a few weeks ago, and raised more than £750.
“It’s too early to say how the funds will be used, as we can't say where he is going to be. Hopefully, he will be able to get back to fitness.
“If he needs a wheelchair or equipment, the money raised will go to support that.”
A fundraising event is being held this Saturday at Whitby Sports and Social Club at 7.30pm, added Ben.
“It is going to feature two bands. We also have a DJ and are going to host a raffle. One of the prizes is a digital camera.
“The event is open to the public.”