David achieves goal after horrific crash

Nov 8 2008 by Chris Robinson, The Journal

SIX years ago, David Dei-Ceci was fighting for his life after suffering horrific head injuries in a road smash.

But after hundreds of hours of rehabilitation, the 23-year-old managed to attend his first Newcastle United match this week, watching his beloved team’s victory against Aston Villa.

Now David, who was awarded a record-breaking £6.3m compensation following the devastating accident when he was 17, is urging drivers to kill their speed as a part of a hard-hitting campaign to make roads safer.

The rock music fan was travelling with friends to Kielder Forest in October, 2002, just days after enrolling on a course to begin a career as a mechanic.

But the camping trip turned into a nightmare when the Citroen Saxo car he was a passenger in left the A68 at Bingfield, near Hexham, crashed into a field and overturned.

Paramedics had doubts the then teenager would survive, and in the weeks following the accident David remained unconscious and underwent brain surgery.

He spent around 18 months in hospital before his rehabilitation began.

It has left him with short-term memory loss, lack of concentration and unable to look after himself.

Miraculously the other passengers and driver escaped with minor injuries.

But David, of Brownlow Close, Heaton, Newcastle, has astonished neurological specialists with his recovery and dedication to raising thousands of pounds for the Great North Air Ambulance, to which he admits he owes his life.

“Please drive safely,” he said. “It’s important to take care, especially in this weather. Think when you are driving, wherever you are.

“Always, always wear a seatbelt. It can make the difference between life and death.

“If I hadn’t had mine on, then who knows what would have happened.”

At a High Court hearing earlier this year, lawyers representing David secured the largest personal injury payout ever in the North East.

The claim was made against the insurers of the driver, Samantha Armstrong, of Wallsend, North Tyneside.

It has secured a home for the football fan and will ensure round the clock care for the rest of his life.

“I can’t remember anything before the crash or even waking up in hospital,” he added.

“But the Great North Air Ambulance saved my life; without them I don’t think I would be here today.

“If it had been a road ambulance then it wouldn’t have got there quick enough, this flew me to hospital within minutes.”

Despite his difficulties, David has now turned his life around, astonishing his carers and his family.

He now devotes his spare time to helping the Great North Air Ambulance. David also works with people with disabilities at Leonard Cheshire’s Minories care home, Jesmond, Newcastle, where he also helps in the garden.

It has taken him months to build up the confidence to watch his team at St James’s Park, having to ease himself into crowd situations by attending smaller Sunday league matches.

But he smiles at the thought of receiving his Newcastle United season ticket.

He also managed to watch his music heroes Bon Jovi when they played in front of thousands of fans.

It is hoped next year he will take the biggest step of his rehabilitation so far, and travel to Milan, Italy, where his family origins lie.

However, before boarding the two-hour flight, he will have to experience short-haul domestic flights first and stay the night in a hotel to help him with his daily routine.

He admitted he was happy with his payout and the quality of life it will secure for him

“The way I feel, I have come a long way. Yes, I have put the work in, but it’s down to those who are helping me. I’m enjoying my life now.”

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