A heartwarming and emotional moment unfolded when Gary Burvill, a father-of-three from Southend, Essex, took his first steps after suffering life-changing injuries in a hit-and-run accident.
Gary, 33, was struck by a car that mounted the pavement, resulting in a traumatic brain injury, leg fractures, and ruptured ligaments. The accident left him in a minimally conscious state for eight months, and he spent over a year in the hospital.
Gary’s recovery has been slow but promising. After months of rehabilitation, he is now able to walk short distances, go out with his family, and live in a specialist care home, where he continues to receive therapy for his physical and cognitive challenges.
His mother, Jackie Burvill, expressed the emotional toll the incident took on their family, saying that they often feared Gary might never recover.
The crash, which occurred in February 2022, took place when a driver, leaving The Oakwood pub car park, crossed the pavement and struck Gary before fleeing the scene. The driver was later apprehended and sentenced to four years in prison for causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
Gary’s parents, Graham and Jackie, have worked with serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to secure rehabilitation for Gary, whose progress has been significant, though he continues to face challenges such as severe cognitive impairments. Despite these obstacles, Gary’s determination to recover has been a source of pride for his family.
His story is being shared as part of Road Safety Week, with his family hoping to raise awareness about the consequences of reckless driving. They also encourage others to seek support during difficult times, emphasizing the importance of rehabilitation in recovery.