Personal injury news

Motorcycle accident can’t stop courageous woman

A woman from Sheffield who suffered brain damage in a motorcycle accident has bravely put her problems behind her to gain a university place and also win an Adult Learners Award.

Caroline Moulds has permanent speech, sight and mobility problems as the result of a holiday accident smash in Cyprus nine years ago, yet is in line to begin a psychology degree this September.

The 1997 motorbike accident left the 38-year-old in a coma with severe head injuries and multiple fractures, but five years of facial surgery, operations and therapy enabled her to recover sufficiently to undertake a part-time access course at Hillsborough College.

With the access course now complete, Miss Moulds has received a firm offer to study at Sheffield Hallam University, and is also celebrating being nominated for an award from the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE).

The awards were created to recognise outstanding individuals, and Miss Moulds will travel to London to attend a glitzy ceremony and receive her well-earned trophy.

Rachel Bentley, a guidance advisor at Hillsborough College, praised the 38-year-old, saying, "Caroline is courage and determination personified.

"Caroline's presence in college has been rewarding for all who have met her and her tutors are unanimous in praising her motivation, determination and academic success."

Miss Moulds also told reporters how the horrific motorcycle accident changed her outlook on life, and said, "I became determined to prove to myself, and to others, that I may have a brain injury but I'm not brain dead.

"Learning has literally given me a new life; a fresh start, a brighter future, better career prospects and many friends. I have gained a great sense of self-fulfilment in that I have proven to myself and others that I can function 'normally'."

For more information about NIACE and educational opportunities for adults, go to www.niace.org.uk.