Woman who survived crash injuries against the odds bids to inspire others
Lauren Feeney 29, hopes her story can help other people overcome challenges.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A woman who was given a 0.5% chance of survival after she sustained life-changing injuries in a car crash four years ago hopes to use her experience to inspire others to overcome challenges.
Lauren Feeney, 29, from Glasgow, was a passenger in a car which collided with a 32-tonne lorry on New Year’s Eve 2019.
Ms Feeney had moved to London to complete cabin crew training with British Airways and was just one month into her dream job when the crash occurred.
Her body was described as being “like jelly” when she was pulled from the wreckage of the car as she had sustained a catalogue of injuries including 26 broken bones, eye injuries, internal bleeding and brain damage.
Her three off-duty BA colleagues who were also in the car all died.
Ms Feeney said: “I can’t remember anything. When I hear about what happened, it’s like listening to a story about someone else, or watching a TV show.
“It was horrible, so maybe it’s better that way.”
Ms Feeney spent two months in hospital in London before being transferred to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) in Glasgow just as Covid-19 struck.
She then continued her rehabilitation at home with her mother Pauline and father Kevin.
But despite now living with a brain injury, sight problems, reduced function in one leg which means she needs a brace, and other permanent injuries, Ms Feeney volunteers two days a week at the hospital.
She credited the staff there with her recovery after her parents were told “not to get their hopes up” and to prepare for a life of caring for her.
If you have challenges in your life and aren’t sure you can take on something new, look at me - don’t let anything hold you back
“I spent two years receiving a range of therapies,” she said.
“Mum and dad had been told not to get their hopes up, that my life would be severely limited. They were planning for a life of care.
“But the staff who cared for me were just fantastic. They were such an amazing support for me that I’m not sure where I’d be without them.”
Unable to return to her former job, Ms Feeney spends her time running and swimming, but has ambitions to become a motivational speaker.
She said: “I started volunteering at the QEUH relaxation and recuperation hub just over a year ago and, to be honest, I feel so lucky to be here.
“Before cabin crew I worked in hospitality, and I just love being around people and helping them, so being here is perfect.
“Don’t get me wrong, it’s not easy. The aftermath of the accident means as soon as I get stressed or overwhelmed, it gets really tough.
“Plus I can’t walk as well as I used to, and I’ve got constant problems with my sight, so days can be a bit of a challenge.
“But I don’t want sympathy, or to make a big deal of things.
“People like me wouldn’t normally be able to speak, but that has made me even more determined to share my story.
“In fact, it feels like I have a responsibility to make the most of that to help others who have been through similar.”
Dr Teng Cheng Khoo, lead clinician and consultant in rehabilitation medicine at the neuro-rehabilitation unit, paid tribute to Ms Feeney and the work she has put into her recovery.
He said: “One of the main reasons for Ms Feeney’s phenomenal recovery and reintegration is her ongoing motivation and the hard work that she has put in over the years.
“Staff at the then PDRU found her a joy to work with despite the challenges she had to face at that time. She worked with staff to set goals that consistently pushed the boundaries of her recovery and what she was able to achieve.
“We also have to remember that this happened at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, which makes her achievements all the more impressive.”
Ms Feeney said she wants to be the best person she can be and help others.
She said: “If you have challenges in your life and aren’t sure you can take on something new, look at me – don’t let anything hold you back.
“In fact, I’d say even more that you should go for it.”