« Back to new supporters news

Lee Pocklington

Head injury is the biggest killer of young people in this country. Read about how one families caring spirit

The devastated family of a Barnsley man who died in a motorbike accident has praised the work of the dedicated staff who cared for him.

Lee Pocklington (24) from Redbrook, died only four weeks ago after coming off his motorbike outside his parent’s home. He was rushed to Barnsley Hospital and onto Sheffield’s Royal Hallamshire Hospital’s specialist neuro department.

Unfortunately, despite enormous efforts, medics were unable to save him as he had suffered such severe brain injuries.

But as a thank you to the staff at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Lee’s family - mum and dad Joan and Steve, fiancé Sarah, brother Craig and his girlfriend Vicky - has already raised over £3,000 for Neurocare – a charity which raises money for the hospital’s neuro department.

Said Joan: “People outside Sheffield, like me, may not realise that many of the patients on the neuro wards at the Royal Hallamshire are from across South Yorkshire or north Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire. As a regional centre, if you have a major head injury that is where you are likely to be sent for specialist care.

“The support we got as a family was amazing and despite losing Lee we wanted to do something to help because we know all was done by the staff to try and save him – they are very special people. All we can do now is put something back by supporting Neurocare.”

Lee was a member of Barnsley Rugby Club so the match after he died was held in his memory and donations were made to Neurocare. In addition, all proceeds from Lee’s funeral went to the charity.

Added Joan: “We are a very close family and this has absolutely devastated us. That day, Lee had come round to our house for Sunday lunch with Sarah, who he had only got engaged to on Christmas Eve, and said he was popping out on his motorbike.

“On his way back when he was just outside our house, he had a terrible accident. According to his bother, Craig, who saw what happened, the motorbike’s back wheel went one way and Lee went the other somersaulting off. He managed to walk to our front door where he collapsed into my arms – I think that is when we lost him.”

Lee was rushed to Barnsley Hospital who sent a CT scan of his brain to the Royal Hallamshire. Doctors said they could operate so he was whisked to Sheffield.

Says Joan: “When we got to Sheffield, the doctors made it clear the terrible situation Lee was in. They operated and did all they could but he never awoke and three days later on 9 January we were told there was nothing else they could do for him.

“Lee was a fantastic person and we miss him terribly. The only thing we cling on to is that we donated his organs, so five people are now living on through Lee – we know he would have wanted that. It has been an awful time and I wouldn’t wish what we are going through on our worst enemy. We are just doing all we can for Neurocare because to help one other person in a similar situation would be of real comfort to us.”

Lee’s family, and a number of his many friends, are now hoping to plan further fundraising to benefit Neurocare.