Former patient turned volunteer inspiring recovery on Llandough Rehabilitation Ward

In 2020, David White suffered a serious brain injury after a nasty fall but after years of recovery and rehabilitation, David now dedicates his spare time volunteering at University Hospital Llandough, supporting many patients who have been through similar experiences.

David broke the right part of his skull after falling over following a day of paintballing with friends. He was placed in an induced coma and underwent multiple operations at the University Hospital of Wales He was later diagnosed with left-sided hemiparesis and was faced with the challenge of learning how to walk, sit and use his left arm again.

After years of recovery, rehabilitation and hard work, David was determined to come back to the ward as a volunteer and support patients going through the same situation.

He has made a massive impact to the morale of patients by sharing his lived experience and inspiring their recovery. He arranges fun activities for the ward and is a friendly face for patients to chat to. Most recently, David arranged a pizza and movie evening for patients and their family members, with free pizza donated from Domino’s. He also delivered Christmas gifts donated by Tesco and advent calendars donated by JCP Solicitors for the festive period.

David also set up an online support group called NeuroBuds which supports patients who are living with brain and spinal injuries, along with their families.

Health Board colleagues working on University Hospital Llandough’s rehabilitation ward are delighted with the work David is doing, and an article about his story is being framed in the ward to give patients and relatives hope for the future.

“I was in hospital during the height of the pandemic so no visitors were allowed. I couldn’t see my family or friends and I had nobody to talk to that had been in the same situation as me, to see what life could be like afterwards,” David recalls.

“My family found it very difficult and also really wished they could have spoken to someone who has been through it, to get an insight into what the future could look like.” NeuroBuds connects families who are going through this experience, providing a support network.

“As the brain injury has been such a massive life-changing thing that I have experienced, I now want to help those that are going through this immensely difficult time in any way that I can. Volunteering has allowed me to help, support and communicate with both patients and their families in a unique way” David says.

Jordann Rowley, who works in Voluntary Services at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, commented: “We could never have imagined the amount of effort David puts into his role and into supporting not just our patients but their families. He is such an asset to the Health Board and we are very lucky to have him.”

David is looking forward to continuing his volunteer work on West 10 Ward and helping many more families who are suffering.