Back from death’s door, Leamington Rehabilitation Hospital patient swims his thanks

Steve Harcout was knocked off his motorbike in 2010 and was then fighting for his life in a coma for seven weeks.

The family of the 27-year-old was told he would remain in a vegetative state - but now, after spending two years as a patient at the specialist Campion ward at the Leamington Rehabilitation Hospital, Mr Harcourt is ready to swim for a cause that is very special to him.

He said: “I am doing this to give something back to the team that continues to look after me. The staff have become friends to myself and my family and this is a way of showing our gratitude to them.”

As well as having to learn how to walk and talk again, Mr Harcourt had to regain strength in the right side of his body. Now 90 per cent of his speech is back to normal and he is able to walk short distances without help.

He will swim the final length of the four-mile event, while his brother Joe and mum Jackie will help him out by swimming the rest.

Jacquie Montanaro, a staff nurse who helped care for Steve, said: “On behalf of the Campion ward, I would like to give my sincere thanks to Steve and his family for supporting us.

“The money that they raise will be gratefully received and will be a great help for the ward.”

The family’s challenge is taking place at Pingles Leisure Centre in Nuneaton on Sunday May 27 from noon to 4pm.

Anyone wishing to sponsor them can do so online.