Heroic Andy Read has been saluted as “superhuman” as he prepares for a new milestone in his inspirational recovery from a catastrophic brain injury.
Andy will don a brunette wig and specially awarded golden cape when he dresses up as Marvel icon Thor to take part in the Superhero Tri, a triathlon that takes place at Dorney Lake, Windsor, where everyone appears as superheroes.
It is particularly fitting that Andy will don a superhero outfit because he has won widespread admiration for his awesome powers of recovery after cheating death when he was involved in a serious car accident.
That incident, when the car he was a passenger in careered into a lamppost, left him with multiple life-changing injuries, including a severe traumatic brain injury at the age of just 20.
After fighting for his life after being airlifted to hospital, Andy was unable to walk, drink, eat or talk but he has stunned medical experts with his near miraculous recovery.
Now 34-year-old Andy, who lives on Hayling Island, Hampshire, is able to walk with a frame, eat and drink on his own and speak digitally thanks to text-to-speech iPad software.
Andy says he is looking forward to embarking on his fifth Superhero Tri, in line with a powerful personal motto that is tattooed on his right arm.
And he will receive the ‘Golden Cape Award’ from the organisers in recognition of his impressive efforts when he heads to Dorney Lake on Saturday, August 15.
“They said it was unlikely that I would be able to walk or move around after the accident,” Andy said. “But now I can take part in the Superhero Tri like my motto, ‘never give up, never back down’.
“Superhero Tri has given me the determination to do more exercise and keep physically fit and strong and do better each year. The atmosphere is amazing and I feel that part of a community that is cheering me on to the finish line. It is a truly special event.”
As he gets ready for the event Andy has won praise from his legal team at Enable Law who have been left awe-struck by their client.
Enable Law Court of Protection Operations Lead Shannon McCullough, who is based at the law firm’s Plymouth office, said: “We’re extremely proud to represent Andy because he’s such an infectiously inspirational character who is determined to live life to the full.
“His life was turned upside down, but he has approached every challenge with a positive mindset, guided by his ‘never give up, never back down,’ mantra and he is constantly striving to go further than expected.”
Shannon praised Hampshire-based case manager Karen Jeffreys, of Meridian Case Management Services, for “playing a phenomenal role” in making sure Andy’s overall needs are met and the physiotherapy team at Hobbs Rehabilitation for easing him along the road to physical recovery.
Shannon added: “Andy’s a very outgoing, sociable person and every time we meet, he’s always smiling and always happy and keen to tell us his goals so he’s wonderful to work with.
“It’s been our role to work with Andy, his family, his case manager and the Hobbs Rehabilitation team to make sure everything is in place financially for his long-term future and personal ambitions like taking part in the Superhero Tri event.
“It’s been amazing to see him relish every challenge like a real-life superhuman. Five years ago, Andy was only able to complete the short course, but with the support and determination around him, he is now set to complete the entire course. There’s just no stopping him.”
Jenny Hatfield, from Hobbs Rehabilitation, will get the triathlon under way for Andy’s team by completing the swim section in Dorney Lake. Then she will hand over to Andy and his father, Kevin, for the cycling section and they will then be joined by Andy’s brother, James, for a 10km run that will round off the challenge.
The Superhero Series is the UK’s only mass‑participation sports event designed specifically for people with disabilities, offering pressure‑free, inclusive challenges that enable everyone to unleash their superpower.
Enable Law is a corporate friend of the Superhero Series, alongside iconic brands such as Virgin Atlantic, AIG, Goldman Sachs and Oracle.
Annabelle Vaughan, the Southampton-based Head of Mental Capacity at Enable Law, said: “We are honoured to represent Andy and very proud to support the Superhero Series as corporate friends because we share its values of inclusion and empowerment.
“The Superhero Tri is a phenomenal event and a fitting stage for resilient people like Andy to show how, with the appropriate support and a positive mindset, you can bounce back from the worst misfortunes life can throw at you.”
For further details about the Superhero Triathlon, email [email protected].
