A promising young Scots footballer who lost his legs in a horror crash is walking again for Christmas. Adam Golebiewski, from Banff, suffered life-changing injuries in the car crash on Union Road in MacDuff, Aberdeenshire, on September 8.
The then 17-year-old, a passenger in the vehicle, was rushed to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary where medics were unable to save his limbs. Adam received a double amputation and underwent rehabilitation at the city’s Woodend Hospital for around three months – even celebrating his 18th birthday there.
After a gruelling recovery and being fitted for prosthetics, the young goalkeeper returned home to his family and is now walking again. Adam told BBC Scotland how he was “thankful and grateful” to achieve his goal to be home in time for Christmas.
He said: “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 admitted the first weekend back at home had been difficult because it was the first time he sat and properly spoke about the accident. But now he is focused on trying new things after being “trapped” in hospital for many weeks.
“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.”
The apprentice builder, who played between the sticks for junior side Deveronside, has been going to the gym and is also keen to explore his future sporting options. He described walking again as the “best feeling”, and explained how he was “so excited” when he first stood up.
Adam also paid a heartfelt thanks to his hospital physiotherapist Owen Cairns, saying: “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.
“I was a bit upset to leave as me and Owen chatted about football. (The hospital staff) made me feel sort of special in there, even though I was just a boy from Banff that ended up in there.”
Adam’s solicitor, Lisa Gregory, described him as “one of the most positive individuals you could hope to meet”. She said: “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.”
Adam will now spend Christmas with his family and going to his gran’s house, adding he was looking forward to “spending time his family“. and: “I am sure I will enjoy it, and opening presents.
“They still see me as the same person. I am still the same, I just don’t have legs any more.”
Three other teenagers, two aged 18 and another aged 19, were taken to hospital after the crash. Police Scotland confirmed a 19-year-old man was later charged in connection with the crash.
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