Amputee Teenager Returns Home and Walks Again for Christmas

A promising young footballer who suffered the loss of both lower legs following a car crash has been discharged from hospital and is now walking again, just in time to celebrate Christmas with his family. Adam Golebiewski was 17 years old when he sustained injuries during the September collision in Macduff, Aberdeenshire. After undergoing a double amputation, he marked his 18th birthday while undergoing rehabilitation at a hospital in Aberdeen, where he was also fitted with prosthetics. He conveyed to BBC Scotland News his feeling of being “thankful and grateful” for achieving his goal of returning home before Christmas. Adam, an apprentice builder originally from Banff, was a passenger in a vehicle that crashed on Macduff’s Union Road in the early hours of Sunday, September 8. Police Scotland reported that a 19-year-old male was subsequently charged in relation to the incident. The collision also resulted in injuries to three additional teenagers. Adam was transported to a medical facility, where he underwent amputations of both legs below the knee. The goalkeeper, who is passionate about football and was described by his manager at junior side Deveronside as possessing significant potential, completed an intensive rehabilitation program at Woodend Hospital in Aberdeen for approximately three months. The young man, who is one of four siblings, had previously conveyed to BBC Scotland his contentment simply to be alive. Having returned home, he is now attending the gym and exploring potential future sporting pursuits. He characterized the experience of walking again and returning home as the “best feeling,” further stating that he had been “so excited” upon his initial attempt to stand. Adam mentioned that his initial weekend back at home proved challenging, as it marked the first occasion he had properly discussed the accident. “I just thought in my head: ‘Why was it me? Why did it happen to a guy that was just trying to do well in life?'” “It’s a bit crazy to be walking already. I was just so happy to get out. I am very happy with them [the prosthetics], I get to do normal things again.” “If I am with people I am the happiest person alive. Even when I cry I will smile.” Adam stated that his objective is to explore novel activities, such as sports he would not have engaged in prior to the accident. “It’s been three months of pain, being trapped in hospital, but I am home now, so that’s the most important thing,” he said. “People say we’re so proud of you, you must be proud of yourself. I’m just like ‘I am’ but I would keep that to myself.” Adam has inadvertently gained local recognition as individuals monitor his recuperation. “I can’t even walk five steps without people coming up to me asking how I am getting on,” he said. Andrew Simpson, the lord lieutenant of Banffshire, recently extended an invitation to him for a special festive service held at Aberdeen’s St Machar’s Cathedral. Mr Simpson stated: “When I heard about Adam’s progress I wanted to invite him to it. “It was terrific, the service theme was empathy. Adam was the right person to be there. He has had great support.” Joanne and Adam snr, Adam’s parents, indicated that home modifications, including the removal of doors, had been carried out to facilitate his use of a wheelchair. “It’s been great to have him back, he was ahead of the game,” his dad said. Lisa Gregory, Adam’s solicitor, characterized him as “one of the most positive individuals you could hope to meet.” She commented: “Considering the injuries that he has sustained, we have all been blown away by his spirit and resilience.” “Those injuries are, however, life-changing and we need to ensure now that Adam gets the medical, emotional and financial security he needs so that he can continue to live his life to the full and maintain his positivity.” During his hospital stay, Adam received assistance from Owen Cairns, an orthopaedic rehabilitation physiotherapist. “I could not be more thankful and grateful for everything he did, helped me through everything, and got me on my feet again before Christmas which was my goal,” the teenager stated. “I was a bit upset to leave as me and Owen chatted about football.” He expressed his appreciation for the support provided by all hospital staff. “They made me feel sort of special in there, even though I was just a boy from Banff that ended up in there.” He is now looking forward to the Christmas celebrations at home, just as he had envisioned. When questioned about his expectations for the occasion, Adam responded: “To enjoy it like every other Christmas, and spend time with my family.” “We are going to my grandma’s.” “I am sure I will enjoy it, and opening presents.” He further remarked: “They still see me as the same person. I am still the same, I just don’t have legs any more.”