Two siblings have been left with ‘traumatic brain injuries’ which mean they will ‘never live independently’ after a horror crash 10 years ago.
Jack Handyside, 20, and Sophie Handyside, 18, suffered catastrophic injuries following a collision in Staindrop, County Durham, in September 2012.
Jack had a bleed on the brain, which was severely swollen, while Sophie suffered a fractured skull and broken wrist.
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Now their mum has told how they have both been left needing lifelong 24-hour support as a result of their injuries.
Jack and Sophie’s mother Julie Elstob, from Barnard Castle, said: “They both have traumatic brain injuries and will require 24-hour support for the rest of their lives and will never live independently.
“Lots of rehab and hard work has got them to where they are today.
“Jack is currently doing volunteering with support at a local animal rescue centre and Sophie is attending college with support doing Health and Social Care.”
They were both airlifted to Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) by the Great North Air Ambulance, who their mum has praised for them still being here today.
She added: “It will be ten years in September since the Great North Air Ambulance’s (GNAAS’) aircraft were needed for Jack and Sophie.
“Without the air ambulance I believe they wouldn’t be here today. It was the quick work of getting them to hospital and the life-saving treatment that made a difference, so I’m organising another charity evening for them.”
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Two aircraft from GNAAS were sent to the incident in September 2012 to deliver advanced critical care, and they requested help from Yorkshire Air Ambulance.
The siblings were both anaesthetised on scene before being taken to hospital, while their father was airlifted to James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough.
Since the incident Julie has held several fundraisers for the Great North Air Ambulance and will be hosting an event on 1 October, just days after the tenth anniversary of the crash.
The charity night is on 1 October at Butterknowle Village Hall 7.30pm – midnight and will feature live music and a raffle.
Tickets are £10 which include a pie and peas supper. Anyone wishing to buy tickets can call Julie on 07707 793954.
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