A MAN who was left paralysed after being involved in a traffic accident when he was 18 is using his experiences to raise awareness of road safety.

Simon Casling, a resident at Burdon Grange care home in Highampton, is working with Holsworthy police to help road users by sharing his story.

Simon was the passenger of a car travelling on a country road near Plymouth, which left the road, rolled and struck a tree in March 1990.

Although Simon was wearing a seatbelt at the time, it was not worn correctly. A blow to the head during the crash caused a brain injury and he remained in a coma for several months.

Doctors told Simon's family the third attempt of taking him off a life-support machine would be the last. Fortunately, Simon responded and six months later he was able to communicate verbally.

Simon's parents cared for him for 18 years, until around eight years ago when they felt they could no longer give him the care he needed. They chose Burdon Grange because it provided the best environment for Simon.

Simon is unable to walk, has limited mobility with his arms and four years ago had a tracheal tube fitted to help his breathing.

Despite his restrictions he lives an active lifestyle thanks to his family and the team at Burdon Grange. He has enjoyed many activities, including abseiling and canoeing. A Chelsea fan, he has watched football and rugby matches, and enjoys quizzes, music, comedy programmes and going to the cinema.

Now, Simon, 43, is working with PCSO Mark James from Holsworthy Police to help road users, in particular young people, by becoming a police volunteer.

PCSO James said: "Simon is a very determined character, as is witnessed by the numerous minor injuries he has sustained as a result of trying to do things for himself.

"At Burdon Grange Simon was working with an occupational therapist, Emma Middleton, who contacted the Holsworthy Neighbourhood Policing team last year, after Simon had expressed a desire to do something to help spread road safety awareness, particularly amongst younger people.

"Upon meeting Simon, his determination to help stop other people from being involved in incidents like his, became very clear, and hopefully by working with Simon we can facilitate this."

With the help of the care team at Burdon Grange, Simon applied to become a police volunteer and having gone through the usual vetting procedure, he was successfully approved in March this year.

PCSO James said: "We now plan to include Simon in some of our road safety awareness initiatives, starting with the Holsworthy Community College Road Safety Day on June 25.

"We are also currently working with Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue service to explore other opportunities for Simon to get his message across."

Simon's mother, Yvonne, said the scheme would allow him to give something back to the community.

"He often talks about helping the fire brigade because they cut him out of the car and this means he will be able to give something back to the community. I think it's marvellous what they are doing and it will be good for him."

Emma Middleton said she was 'very proud' of Simon.

For the full report, and a round-up of the area news and sport, see this week's edition of the Post.