Seaham teenager left fighting for his life after bike crash gives thumbs up from his hospital bed

Brandon Healer was riding the 125cc bike he got for his 17th birthday when he collided with a wall in Princess Road, Seaham, a short distance from his Dawdon home.

His parents Donna Brown and Graeme Healer have sent thanks to those who have rallied round after the crash on Thursday, March 5, and today revealed he has given the thumbs up from his hospital bed, having been taken off life support.

He was rushed to the James Cook University Hospital with serious head injuries and underwent eight hours of surgery to remove a piece of his skull from his brain and is continuing to be given “exceptional care.”

Brandon, who has ridden since he was a toddler, is studying motor vehicle body repair at Sunderland College and has plans to launch his own garage.

His family, including brothers Marshall and Tyler, sister Laila and his grandparents, say they are “devastated beyond words and their lives have been torn apart” by the crash.

They have sent thanks to Gavin Paul and Kim Dean Cassidy, who gave Brandon first aid before the North East Ambulance Service arrived.

They said: “Everyone is so heartbroken by this.

“He is the best of the best, so kind, so funny and an intelligent young man who lights up a room just by entering it.

“Words cannot describe the pain his family has felt the images of him on the roadside it has shattered us we have not left his bedside willing him to come back to us.

“The extent of his injuries are horrific but he continues to fight and show everyone how strong he is.”

Louise Inman, from Seaham, has set up a GoFundMe page and hopes the “little town with a massive heart” will show its support.

She said: “I can't begin to imagine how I would cope if this happened to any of my family, and thought it would be a wonderful thing if our little town could club together and help ease some stress and worries from Brandon and his family.”

It can be found via https://www.gofundme.com/f/cy7y2-brandon-healer