A 44-year-old man who fought to rebuilt his life after an horrific car crash 10 years ago is in the running for a national award.
Steven Lomas, who was born in Manchester but now lives in Eccles, was nominated in the Headway Annual Awards 11 years after coming back from a devastating brain injury to graduate with a Salford University broadcast TV degree.
His self-produced film, Re-cognition, tracks his isolation, depression and rocky road to recovery after suffering a severe head injury.
On 7 February 2004 Steven was driving home from a shopping trip in Manchester city centre when his car hit a tree in Ancoats.
The force of the impact caused a bleed on his brain, and he suffered an epileptic fit while trapped in the car.
Fire crews had to saw the top off the car to reach him, and although paramedics rushed him to North Manchester General Hospital, five hours later he was transferred to Salford Royal Hospital where doctors there put him in a medically induced coma.
His family and friends were told to expect the worst. They were warned that, even if he regained consciousness, there was no way of telling what lasting effects his traumatic brain injury would cause.
He would only come round six weeks later, deaf in one ear, missing his sense of smell and recovering from a severe head injury.
Back at home, he struggled with basic everyday tasks, and both his marriage and career as a retail manager for ASDA broke down.
Eventually, he took the difficult decision to resign and he began to struggle with depression.
It was only when he was put in touch with Headway Stockport and South Manchester in 2005 that he began to rebuild his life.
Steven, who now lives in Eccles with his wife Joanne and their dog Zena said: “I am absolutely delighted to be shortlisted for such a prestigious award,” said Steven.
“It only took one moment, one head injury, for my life’s direction to be changed by brain injury.
“The support I received from Headway Stockport and South Manchester has turned my life around and I’m a stronger person now.
“I just hope my film and volunteering will help to raise awareness of the charity on a local and national level.
“Steven is a shining example of how much can be achieved even 12 years on after sustaining a brain injury,” said Occupational Psychologist Suzanne Guest, who nominated Steven for the award.
“Steven’s determination to achieve in the face of adversity is inspirational and I can’t think of anyone more deserving of the Alex Richardson Achiever of the Year title.”
The Alex Richardson Achiever of the Year award is named after a University of St. Andrews student who tragically passed away following a brain injury at the tender age of 21.
The award ceremony takes place at The Dorchester Hotel in London, on Friday 11 December.
