Why Lachlan feels lucky after devastating car crash

Lachlan Miller was in a car crash that broke his back and his neck and caused a brain injury. Even though he’s no longer able to work as a diesel mechanic or play rugby, he reckons he’s one of the luckiest people alive - because he’s alive.

Having come to terms with his acquired brain injury (ABI), he’s giving back at the Hampstead Rehabilitation Centre, where he was helped after his accident.

His appreciation for life is something he shares with patients still facing up to living with a brain injury.

He recognises the importance of patients being able to talk to someone who can show them that they can still go on to have a good quality of life.

One of the first patients he helped was someone who was no longer able to continue with her horse-racing career after an accident. “It changed her whole outlook on life so I can really see the benefits of what we do.”

He takes patients to football games and participates in on-site music and dance events.

He’s also joined a consumer advisory group to provide a perspective on the care and rehabilitation of younger patients.

He is proud to be a Westfield Local Hero. “I want to help show people that they can get back to having a really good quality of life again.”

The grant has been used towards providing experiences and opportunities for inpatients of BIRU who have recently suffered a brain injury for example attending recreational activities including movies and bowling. Clients have stated they yearned for normalisation of their life before their injury, so the grant allows opportunities for engagement in 'everyday' activities we can sometimes take for granted. They have also been able to use the funds to hold afternoon teas for current and past clients, so they can continue to form positive friendships and connections when they are discharged from BIRU.

For further information on the Westfield Local Heroes program, click here.