A woman who was given just a 0.5% chance of survival after a catastrophic car crash has now committed her life to helping others following a remarkable four-year recovery with the help of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.
Lauren Feeney, 29, from Glasgow, suffered a horrific catalogue of injuries including 26 broken bones, eye injuries, internal bleeding and brain damage when the car she was a passenger in collided with a 32-tonne truck on New Year’s Eve, 2019.
Her injuries were so bad that when the police officer who was first on the scene pulled her from the car, her body was “like jelly”, and she spent a month in a coma. All three other occupants of the car died in the crash.
But despite living with a brain injury, sight problems, reduced function in one leg which means she needs a brace, and other permanent injuries, Lauren now volunteers two days a week helping staff at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, runs regularly, swims five days a week and is in training with the Scottish National Para Swimming Squad. To top it all off, she wants to become a motivational speaker so she can inspire others to overcome their own challenges.
Lauren had moved to London to complete her training as Cabin Crew for British Airways and was a month into her dream job jetting around the world, when the accident happened.
“I can’t remember anything,” she said. “When I hear about what happened, it’s like listening to a story about someone else, or watching a TV show. It was horrible, so maybe it’s better that way.”
Lauren spent two months in hospital in London before being transferred back to Glasgow just as COVID struck, and she spent four months in the QEUH, first in the orthopaedic department and then in the Physically Disabled Rehabilitation Unit (now called the Neurorehabilitation Unit). She then continued her rehabilitation at home with her mum Pauline and dad Kevin.
“I spent two years receiving a range of therapies,” Lauren said. “Mum and dad had been told not to get their hopes up, that my life would be severely limited. They were planning for a life of care.
“But the staff who cared for me were just fantastic. They were such an amazing support for me that I’m not sure where I’d be without them.”
As Lauren got better, she started contemplating what to do with her life. She knew she couldn’t go back to the job she loved, but rather than sitting feeling sorry for herself, she got up and got active.
“I started volunteering at the QEUH R&R Hub just over a year ago and, to be honest, I feel so lucky to be here. Before cabin crew I worked in hospitality, and I just love being around people and helping them, so being here is perfect.
“Don’t get me wrong – it’s not easy. The aftermath of the accident means as soon as I get stressed or overwhelmed, it gets really tough. Plus I can’t walk as well as I used to, and I’ve got constant problems with my sight, so days can be a bit of a challenge.
“But I don’t want sympathy, or to make a big deal of things.”
Lauren praised her workmate Caroline Maxwell – paired together because managers knew they would be a good fit – for the support she has provided.
“She’s just brilliant, and gives me exactly the amount of help I need, stepping in when I need it, but usually just leaving me to get on with it.
“We have our way and work brilliantly together – we really are the dream team!”
However, volunteering with NHSGGC is only the start for Lauren. She’s also resurrected her teenage hobby of swimming – and she’s so good she now trains regularly with the Scottish National Para Swimming Squad.
She’s also taken up running, recently completing her first 5K and with the ultimate goal of taking part in duathlons – even though she can’t feel her leg unless weight is going through it.
“It’s difficult right now,” she said. “I have to concentrate really hard on where my foot is going to land and with my sight issue it can be a real challenge. But I’m stubborn so I won’t give up, and I’m learning to manage pretty well.”
With a story as inspiring as this, it’s little wonder that Lauren has her eyes set on helping others who face challenges in their lives.
“I was offered the chance to speak at a conference recently, and I absolutely loved it,” she said.
“People like me wouldn’t normally be able to speak, but that has made me even more determined to share my story. In fact, it feels like I have a responsibility to make the most of that to help others who have been through similar.”
Dr Teng Cheng Khoo, Lead Clinician and Consultant in Rehabilitation Medicine at the NRU (formerly PDRU), paid tribute to Lauren and the work she has put into her recovery.
He said: “It is amazing how far Lauren has come. She sustained significant traumatic injuries from her accident, and not every person who went through what she did would be able to bounce back in such a way.
“One of the main reasons for Lauren’s phenomenal recovery and re-integration is her ongoing motivation and the hard work that she has put in over the years. Staff at the then PDRU found her a joy to work with despite the challenges she had to face at that time. She worked with staff to set goals that consistently pushed the boundaries of her recovery and what she was able to achieve.
“We also have to remember that this happened at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, which makes her achievements all the more impressive.”
Dr Khoo praised the way a range of services have collaborated in Lauren’s ongoing recovery. He said: “From community rehabilitation services and ophthalmology to orthopaedics and the chronic pain service, all services have worked well together to achieve the best possible outcomes, and to help Lauren live a full, independent life, despite the ongoing challenges she experiences on a daily basis.
“We all wish Lauren well, and have no doubt that she will go on to achieve the goals she has set herself.”
Mary Nolan, Interim Volunteer Manager (South Sector) with NHSGGC, described Lauren as “an amazing person – quick, funny, sharp, and always smiling”.
She added: “Lauren started volunteering at the beginning of December 2022, and from the word go I had a feeling she would be a success. It is a credit to her that we make no particular adaptations or allowances for her significant residual disability.
“The HUB is a place for our staff to come to relax and have a coffee, and Lauren is so friendly and helpful – all the HUB users love her.”
She added: “Lauren has so much potential, and we are delighted that this volunteer role has been able to play a part in her ongoing recovery.”
Caroline Maxwell added her own tribute: “It’s a pleasure volunteering alongside Lauren. We bounce off each other and the hours just fly by.
“Lauren likes to ensure that the front-line staff are well looked after, and always makes time for a chat.
“Oh, and she makes a great coffee!”
But the final word must go to Lauren, who is only looking forward in her life.
“I bear no ill will. I am where I am and my life’s great now. I just want to be the best person I can be and to help others.
“In fact, if you have challenges in your life and aren’t sure you can take on something new, look at me – don’t let anything hold you back. In fact, I’d say even more that you should go for it.
“You’ll always be glad you did!”
:: To learn more about volunteering with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, go to: Volunteering – NHSGGC
