Banff teenager who lost legs walking again for Christmas
A promising teenage footballer who lost both legs after a car crash is home from hospital and walking again – in time to be with his family for Christmas.
Adam Golebiewski was just 17 when he was injured in a car crash in Macduff, Aberdeenshire, in September.
After undergoing a double amputation, he celebrated his 18th birthday while recovering in Aberdeen Hospital and was fitted with a prosthetic leg.
He told BBC News Scotland that he was “extremely grateful” that his wish to return home before Christmas had been granted.
golebevsky familyAdam, a construction apprentice from Banff, was a passenger in a car that crashed on Union Road in Macduff in the early hours of Sunday, September 8.
Police Scotland said a 19-year-old man was later charged in connection with the crash.
Three other teenagers were also injured in the crash.
Adam was taken to hospital, where both legs were amputated below the knees.
The football-obsessed goalkeeper underwent around three months of intensive rehabilitation at Woodend Hospital in Aberdeen and his manager at Devonside’s youth teams described his potential as huge.
The teenager, one of four siblings, previously told BBC Scotland he just glad to be alive.
Now back home, he heads to the gym and considers future exercise options.
He described walking again and being home as “the best feeling”, adding that he was “so excited” when he stood up for the first time.
Adam said the first weekend back home was difficult because it was the first time he sat down and properly talked about the accident.
“I just thought to myself: ‘Why me? Why would this happen to someone who just wants to do better in life?’
“It’s kind of crazy to be able to walk already. I’m just happy to be out there. I’m so happy with them (the prosthetics) and I can do normal things again.
“If I’m with people, I’m the happiest person in the world. Even if I cry, I smile.”
Adam said his goal is to try new things, including sports he wouldn’t have tried before the accident.
“It’s been painful three months being stuck in hospital but I’m home now so that’s the most important thing,” he said.
“People say we’re proud of you and you have to be proud of yourself too. I just say ‘I am’ but I’ll keep it a secret.”
As people try to track his recovery, Adam has become an unwitting local celebrity.
“I can’t even walk five steps without someone coming up to me and asking me how I’m doing,” he said.
Recently Captain Andrew Simpson of Banffshire invited him to a special festive service at St Machar’s Cathedral in Aberdeen.
golebevsky familyMr Simpson said: “When I heard about Adam’s progress I wanted to invite him to take part.
“It’s great, the theme of the service is empathy. Adam is the right person to go there. He has great support.”
Adam’s parents, Joanne and Adam Sr., said the home had been renovated, such as removing doors, to assist him when he uses a wheelchair.
“It’s great to have him back, he’s at the top of his game,” his father said.
Adam’s lawyer, Lisa Gregory, described him as “one of the most positive people you could hope to meet.”
She said: “We are all blown away by his spirit and resilience, given the injuries he suffered.
“However, these injuries are changing his life and we now need to ensure Adam receives the medical, emotional and financial security he needs so that he can continue to live life to the fullest and maintain a positive attitude.”
Adam was assisted in hospital by Owen Cairns, an orthopedic rehabilitation physiotherapist.
“I’m so grateful and thankful for everything he’s done to help me get through everything and get me back on my feet by Christmas, which is my goal,” the teenager said.
“When Owen and I were talking about football, I left a little unhappy.”
He said he was grateful to everyone at the hospital for their help.
“They made me feel special there even though I was just a boy from Banff who ended up there.”
He is now looking forward to the Christmas celebrations back home, just as he had dreamed of.
When asked what his hopes for Christmas were, Adam said: “Enjoy it like any other Christmas and spend time with your family.
“We’re going to my grandma’s house.
“I’m sure I’m going to love it and open the gift.”
He added: “They still think I’m the same person. I’m still the same person, I just don’t have the legs anymore.”
