Tom remembers thinking ‘This isn’t good’ after a rugby tackle ruptured an artery supplying blood to his brain. As his condition deteriorated, an off-duty A&E surgeon performed surgery with a kitchen Knife to save his life on the pitch.
Tom underwent open heart surgery but the following morning his parents were advised his brain injury was too severe to survive.
Refusing to accept this, after a second opinion, Tom underwent brain surgery . He spent the next month in a coma and on life-support.
As a result of his life-changing injury, Tom experiences weakness in his left side and struggles to regulate his body temperature. But this doesn’t stop him. Today, he’s an active adventurer, always looking for another challenge.
Tom’s adaptive gear features:
-Magnetic zips added to jacket, which can be used with just one hand.
-Extended ‘pit zips’ for better ventilation, helping Tom stay cool on a challenge.
-Adjustments to left-sided pocket to make it easier to access with his right hand, allowing for extra storage.
If you are interested in having kit tailored to your needs in 2025, we’d love to hear from you. Apply via /adapts.list by Sunday 16th February 2025.
#berghaus #berghausadapts
Kendal Mountain Festival 2024 🗻
Some Highlights for me:
🎥 On Friday, we premiered Adapt, an amazing film created by the legends @ted__simpson , @tomkirkman , and @berghausofficial . The film showcases how @alicesainsbury.co adapted bespoke Berghaus gear for @_charlie_frenchie_ and myself, helping us manage our disabilities while mountaineering. This one was a tough one to watch as it’s the first time I’ve been so open about my recovery journey, but I’m so proud of what we’ve shared.
Watching Alpha with @edjackson8 , @drniallmccann , and @darrenedwards_adventurer crazy journey across Europe’s largest ice cap.
Cutting some serious shapes at the after-parties with the @millimetres2mountains crew.
Blowing off the cobwebs with a M2M x @hiked.up walk on the Sunday morning.
Feeling on top of the world.
This weekend, I had the opportunity of climbing Gran Paradiso with the @millimetres2mountains crew. This charity aids those who have endured various traumas, and it has introduced me to some truly extraordinary and inspirational people.
Before I joined M2M, I used to feel embarrassed about my disability and my limitations. Now, I embrace my journey and focus on what I can do rather than what I can’t.
Before the trip I was lucky enough to work with @active_alice_design and @berghausofficial to adapt my kit to help manage my disability on the mountains.
Thankyou @edjackson8@loisjackson8 for all the support you have given me
@georgemaguire@harrii88@rosielois_@isabelmurton@chxchallenge@amyfreshy@michaelshaw.films@bjarturtyr #berghaus
