HEROIC Andy Read is celebrating after being awarded a special golden cape for breaking new boundaries on his road to recovery from a catastrophic brain injury.
Andy dressed up as mighty Marvel hero Thor when he rose to the challenge of his fifth Superhero Tri, a triathlon where everyone dresses up as superheroes at Dorney Lake, Windsor.
The 34-year-old Hampshire man was handed a special cape by TV star Clare Balding on behalf of the organisers to mark his remarkable achievement as he prepared to cycle a 20-kilometre leg of the triathlon with his father Kevin.
Andy’s physiotherapist, Jenny Hatfield, from Hobbs Rehabilitation, got the triathlon under way for Andy’s team by completing the swim section before the cycling section and then Andy’s brothers, James – dressed as Hulk – and Matthew, dressed as Wolverine, embarked on a 5k run to round off the challenge.
It was at the age of 21 that Andy, who lives on Hayling Island, was the passenger in a vehicle that struck a lamppost, leaving him with a brain injury, fractured pelvis and multiple facial and skull fractures.
When he came round from surgery and intensive care, Andy was unable to walk, drink, eat or speak independently. Doctors feared his quality of life would be very poor, but against all the odds, he has been recovering ever since.
Now Andy can walk with a frame, eat and drink independently and speak digitally through text-to-speech iPad software through which he expressed his delight at his triathlon exploits.
Andy, who lives on Hayling Island, said:
“I’m still over the moon. Being awarded the golden cape was fantastic. It made me realise all my efforts and hard work have been recognised, and I feel so good about myself.
“I had an amazing support team by my side, and I would like to thank them, especially Jenny, my two brothers and my amazing dad. They have given me a wonderful feeling because they have made a huge difference to my life.
“Now I’ve taken part in the Superhero Tri for the last five years, and I have to say it gets better every year – it really is an outstanding event. To cross the finishing line with my brothers was amazing and it’s a feeling I will never forget as everyone cheered us on.
“My message to other people is that nothing is impossible, as the Superhero Tri showed, and I can’t wait to take part in my sixth one.”
Superhero Andy Read and dad Kevin.He was all smiles as he crossed the finishing line with his dad, his physiotherapist who completed the swimming leg and his two brothers who ran the rest of the event.
And the sight of Andy making it over the final few yards in a fond embrace with his fellow triathletes proved to be a highly emotional experience.
Dad Kevin said:
“I could not be prouder of Andy because of the way he has dug deep and shown a tremendous amount of grit and determination to get better.
“After his accident, we were told he would only live for 24 to 48 hours, never walk and never talk, so that golden cape for superpowers is very fitting.
“He’s stuck to his personal ‘never give up, never back down’ motto and he’s put his heart and soul into every challenge he’s faced.
“As everyone saw in the Superhero Tri, he’s full of life, full of joy and always willing to give it his all, and you can’t ask for more.
“He was beaming from ear to ear all the way round the triathlon course, and we really went for it, and the tears from all the supporters as we finished spoke volumes.
“I’m full of admiration for Andy for what he’s managed to achieve – it just goes to show that in adversity you can do incredible things, with the right sort of will and mentality and encouragement of a great team.
“As a family, we’ve really rallied round Andy and love him to bits, but Jenny has been an amazing physiotherapist and is an unsung hero, just like his Enable Law lawyer Shannon McCullough, who has made a huge difference to Andy’s life.”
After cheering Andy across the triathlon finishing line, Shannon, Enable Law‘s Court of Protection Operations Lead, who is based at the law firm’s Plymouth office, paid him a powerful tribute.
Shannon said:
“Andy is a truly extraordinary individual whose courage, determination and resilience inspire everyone fortunate enough to know him. At Enable Law, we are immensely proud to call him our client and to witness his incredible journey.
“Over the years, Andy has overcome challenges many would consider insurmountable, proving time and again that the human spirit is capable of remarkable things.
“His golden cape is more than deserved. It’s a symbol of strength for a real-life superhero and an outstanding role model for people living with disabilities.
“Seeing Andy’s beaming smile as he crossed the finish line in his superhero outfit was a powerful reminder that determination can triumph over life’s greatest obstacles. His achievement embodies the extraordinary impact of courage, hard work and hope.
“Through his own superhero spirit, combined with the unwavering support of his family, case management team and therapists, Andy keeps achieving what many once thought impossible.
“His story is one of inspiration, proving limits are often far greater in our minds than in reality, and that with belief, support and determination, extraordinary things are achievable.”
The Superhero Series Triathlon powered by Marvel is the UK’s only mass‑participation sports event designed specifically for people with disabilities, offering pressure‑free, inclusive challenges that enable everyone to unleash their superpower.
Enable Law is a corporate friend of the Superhero Series, alongside iconic brands such as Virgin Atlantic, AIG, Goldman Sachs and Oracle.
