Former Bath Rugby player Lee Audis raises money for hospital that helped him ...

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A former Bath Rugby player, who suffered brain injuries after being in a car crash, has helped to raise money for the rehabilitation centre that helped him recover.

Lee Audis has given £10,500 to Frenchay Brain Injury Rehabilitation Centre near Bristol. It will go towards an electric hoist to help patients stand and walk, and a new treadmill that controls weight bearing, posture and balance.

Lee, 25, ran the Bath half marathon earlier this year with his Dad Tony and brother Kevin, 27.

He helped raise the money with former European event rider Polly Williamson who also suffered a brain injury after a fall in December 2011.

Mr Audis said: “It was a fast walk/jog and it was very hard. It was a massive relief to cross the line and I couldn’t have done it without all the support around me.

“I wanted to try to give something back to the Frenchay Brain Injury unit and to the patients that come after me.

“The piece of equipment that has been bought is fantastic and I am very pleased that I could help in some way.”

Lee completed the challenge in 4hrs 4mins along with Polly’s time of 3hrs 54mins.

Lee spent ten months at the rehab centre where he learned to walk, talk, eat and drink again after suffering a brain injury in a car crash in November 2011.

He was in a coma for two months at Leeds General Infirmary. His rehab then lasted for 10 months where he learned to walk, talk, eat and drink and after his time at Bristol, he returned home to Chippenham in December 2012.

He added: “The rehab was very very hard, but with determination and the love of my family I coped. It was tough but you can either give up or dig deep and I decided to dig deep.”

Lee will never be able to play rugby again but he wants to stay in contact with the sport where possible.

“I have helped with coaching up at Chippenham rugby club but I am now reviewing what my options are within the rugby community,” he said.

Alison Woods, Centre Manager at Frenchay Brain Injury Rehabilitation Centre, said: “Polly and Lee’s participation in the Bath Half Marathon is a tremendous achievement and testament to the hard work and determination that they showed during their rehabilitation.

“We’re very honoured that they decided to fundraise on behalf of the centre and our other patients.”

Article source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/28091906

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Former Bath Rugby player Lee Audis raises money for hospital that helped him ...