Coma crash teenager from Dagenham is talking and reading again

Bradley Trimmer is making a gradual recovery in hospital despite brain damage

Freddy Mayhew, Reporter Sunday, February 17, 2013
9:30 AM

Teenager Bradley Trimmer, who was left in a coma after a car struck him, is talking and reading again.

The 14-year-old has been making a gradual recovery at the Royal London Hospital, Whitechapel, where he has remained since being hit by a car in High Road, Chadwell Heath, on January 5 and sustaining serious head injuries.

Although having suffered a degree of brain damage and as yet unable to sit up, Bradley is communicating with family members and enjoying the benefits of the gifts bought through well-wishers’ donations.

“Bradley is improving quite well and he is fully awake,” said Chrissie Snell, Bradley’s aunt. “He will have to learn to walk and talk properly again but things are looking up.”

Nearly £600 was raised for Bradley to buy him a tablet computer and a number of books and DVDs which are already helping to stimulate his mind, said Chrissie.

On Tuesday, February 12, the young Doctor Who fanatic, from Dagenham, celebrated his birthday.

Chrissie said: “I went to the hospital with his presents and he read a book to me. He was using words like “equator” so he’s still got some of his reading ability.

“We are going to het him some Doctor Who and Torchwood books next.”

Bradley only spoke for the first time about a week-and-a-half ago. Chrissie said his parents, who were both at his side, were “over the moon” at hearing him.

“His words are slurred and really quiet but you can hear him and understand him,” she added. “From what we saw when I was first taken to visit him I didn’t ever expect this.

“It’s a little miracle. He’s a little miracle really. It shows what a strong fighter he is.”