The heart warming story of a guy overcoming adversity for others' benefit.
Just a few short years ago, Paul Spence from Hull had everything he wanted; a great job, social life, a loving partner and a couple of kids he was so proud of. But it all changed in 2012 when he was attacked and suffered brain damage - a haemorrhage to the frontal lobe of his brain and contusions. Admitted to a neurosurgical ward he had seizures, was transferred to intensive care lucky to be alive and remained in hospital for 6 weeks.
The incident changed his life. He was a broken man needing constant support and suffered sight, speech, memory, balance and hearing problems, as well as feeling confused, vacant and lost. And all this with no definite answers as to how long his recovery would take.
Paul realised he would never get back his former life as he slowly recovered and endured hammer blows along the way as he lost both his partner and his job and suffered from clinical depression. However rather than wallow in a slough of despond Paul picked himself up and ran a half marathon to raise his spirits and money for the hospital.
To cut a long story short, Paul continued to raise money by his own efforts at recovery and has now set up his own Facebook page; Paul Spence - My brain recovery and a charity to help people with brain injuries, PAUL - Making life easier after brain injury.
His first effort to raise funds for his charity takes place here in Ibiza, when he'll run four marathons in four days during “Paul's Ibiza Coastline Challenge.” Taking place from the 18th to 22nd May he'll run around the island's coastline starting and finishing in Ibiza town with a physio, cameraman and support driver for company.
He's been helped in his venture by Ibiza based James Allchurch, a running coach and Jonny Lee of the 'Last Night a DJ saved my Life' foundation who are currently plotting the exact route and have helped with sponsorship. Taking place during the UK National Brain Injury Awareness Week, the marathons will be made into a documentary (hence the cameraman) to inspire others in the same situation.
So, why Ibiza? Because Paul fell in love with the island after spending his holidays here when he was a well man and now hopes to do something here for the benefit of others. We at Spotlight wish him well in his money raising venture and if like us, you'd like to donate some cash to this worthwhile cause, you can do so right here.
Best wishes Paul.....from all of us at Spotlight.
