A Wallington inline skater who underwent intensive rehabilitation at St Helier Hospital after suffering a life-threatening brain injury is launching a new initiative.

Rob Glanville is encouraging skaters to wear helmets after a failed trick attempt caused a haemorrhage and a blot clot, requiring ‘crucial’ surgery, in 2015.

The 37-year-old, who was forced to relearn how to drink, eat, talk, and walk, is setting up charity ‘Lids Save Lives’, promoting helmet use in the sport.

He said: “This incident has taught me a valuable, whilst also incredibly hard, lesson. That I – and everyone else for that matter – should always wear a helmet when out skating, or taking part in a similar activity.

“Having a serious accident is one of those things that you never think will happen to you, until it does. So don’t take the risk, wearing a helmet really could save your life!

“This is why I want to start my charity – Lids Save Lives – to help promote helmet use in the sport, and to encourage more people to start wearing them.”

Your Local Guardian:

Rob Glanville

Mr Glanville was rushed to St Mary’s Intensive Care Unit following the skating accident in Hammersmith, where he had the surgery, before being transferred to St Helier Hospital.

He attempted a ‘wall-ride’ – a trick where a skater jumps with both feet on a wall while skating along it at speed.

The 37-year-old was knocked unconscious when his head hit a brick which was in the wall before smashed his head into the concrete pavement, suffering a seizure.

Now Mr Glanville is back in full-time work – and is even skating – with a video having been released to highlight his progress during intensive rehabilitation.

Dr Ruth Charlton, joint medical director, said: “It’s great to see that Rob is recovering well and is back to doing what he loves, although I am particularly pleased to see that he always wears a helmet now.

“Rob’s serious accident goes to show that even the most experienced, talented sports people can be very badly injured, and it only takes a split second for fast-paced sports like skating to go horribly wrong.

“I would urge everyone who skates, cycles or even those who scoot to school to wear a helmet and protective clothing – even if you’re not trying to pull off impressive tricks like Rob, a serious bang on the head can have a devastating impact.”

Your Local Guardian:

Rob Glanville during his intensive rehabilitation

Dr Charlton said it can be easy to ‘get caught up in the moment’ and not use proper equipment to ensure personal safety.

However, she stressed an extra few minutes could ‘potentially’ save your, or someone else’s, life.

Mr Glanville has thanked his family, friends, ambulance and emergency services staff, as well as the consultants and nurses who treated him.

He added: “I am deeply grateful for everything that the NHS has done for me in my return to health, and to everyone who has helped me get through this very difficult time in my life.”

The video which has been released involved the help of his best friend Mr Ed (Edward) Inglis, where he thanks NHS staff including therapist on Ward C4 at St Helier.

To see Rob's progress, click here.