A teenager who was hit by a car just before the first coronavirus lockdown has now woken up, but he did not have knowledge of the pandemic which has affected the world.
Joseph Flavill, known as Joe, was hit by a car on March 1 last year while walking through Burton, in Staffordshire.
The 19-year-old has spent all that time in a coma at the Leicester General Hospital, but he has now opened his eyes and is moving his limbs when directed.
His family are thrilled at the progress he has made – but are wondering how they can explain the pandemic, lockdowns, and social distancing to him.
The teenager, who was studying for his A-levels before being hit, has even caught coronavirus twice – once while he was still in a coma and once since waking – but has come through it.
And only Joe’s mum, Sharon Priestley, was allowed to visit him in the hospital due to Covid-19 rules. Joe was moved to Adderley Green in Stoke, which provides neurological, physical, and cognitive rehabilitation, four months ago to help continue his recovery.
Sadly he tested positive for coronavirus for a second time which has meant he has had to isolate while there. Due to the restrictions, Joe’s family is not able to visit him, but they speak on FaceTime and his aunt said his face lights up when he sees friends and family on the screen.
The family has set up a fundraising page to help cover the costs of any treatment he may need in the future.
Videos are also shared on the Joe’s Journey Facebook page so the teenager can follow what his friends have been doing. They also have a website where more information is available for those who want to get involved.
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