Steve Lightly

Life before my brain injury

Before my brain injury, I worked as a Secondary School Mathematics Teacher, a job I loved. Outside of work, I had an active and fulfilling life, always keeping busy with different projects and interests.

The day everything changed

In 2020, while driving to work, I suffered an aortic dissection, requiring emergency surgery. During my transfer from Papworth Hospital to Ipswich Hospital, I suffered two strokes as a complication of the surgery. I was placed in a coma for over a month. When I eventually woke up, I was very confused but thankfully still recognised my partner.

I spent three months in the hospital before being discharged home to continue my recovery. At that time, I was bedridden, unable to talk, unable to eat unaided, and incontinent. I also suffered from severe right-sided weakness and aphasia, which made communication incredibly difficult. During my early recovery, I experienced intense fatigue and confusion, even believing at times that my father—who had passed away in 1992—was still alive.

Improving

Since then, my condition has improved - with the help of a specialist brain injury rehabilitation service. Over time, I regained the ability to talk and eat unaided, and I became continent again. Today, I can walk with the aid of a stick, which is a huge improvement from where I started.

Despite these improvements, I still face daily challenges. My mobility issues prevented me from returning to teaching, and I have been told that I am less tolerant than I was before my strokes—something I continue to work on. However, I have found new ways to engage my mind and stay active.

A new passion

During my recovery, I kept myself busy with several projects. One of my most exciting creations is a new board game, designed to be simple yet engaging, catering to different age groups and skill levels. The game can be played at three levels: a basic counting game suitable for children aged 3+, a more complex version for older players, and a strategic challenge for adults. I have developed a working prototype, and it plays exceptionally well. Given its simplicity, I believe it has strong commercial potential, and excellent margins should be achievable.

Beyond the board game, I have also designed a unique flatpack all-terrain cart. This cart requires no specialist tools or skills to assemble, and it integrates sustainable materials, linking the outdoor world to the digital ‘meta’ world. I have a working prototype and would love the opportunity to demonstrate it.

Additionally, I have developed a range of retro wooden toys using repurposed materials and have written several fully illustrated children's books. To improve my fine motor control, I have taken up DIY projects and aeromodelling, which have been both therapeutic and rewarding.

Looking ahead

I am determined to make the most of things. Creativity and innovation have allowed me to channel my skills into projects that excite me, and I will be starting back at teaching Mathematics and Science at Secondary school later this month, which I am really happy about.

For anyone who has suffered a brain injury, my advice is that you should focus on what you can do and then use your new free time to build from there.

Walking my dog Bruno twice a day gave me focus, and it also drove me from electric scooter, to a walker then a stick.

Recovery takes time, but with perseverance and support, you can find new passions and a fulfilling future ahead.

If you'd like to learn more about brain injury support, please visit Headway’s website or call their helpline for guidance and assistance.