Zara Roberts

In 2004 Zara Roberts's life changed forever when she was involved in a serious motor vehicle accident.  'I suffered traumatic brain injury, five broken ribs, punctured lung, fractured pelvis, elbow and ankle and tore the descending aorta from my heart.'  Says Zara 'I had to learn to talk, walk and do everything from scratch like a baby.'

Before her accident Zara was on her way to university to become a teacher, specializing in special needs. Although faced with enormous difficulties, Zara fought to achieve her NVQ in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools Level 2. Whilst working on the course in a primary school, Zara's tutor arranged a visit to a special school. Following a meeting with the Head Teacher, Zara was offered voluntary work for three days a week. Zara was delighted and has been working there ever since. In September 2009 Zara returned to the school on a full time basis.

'We sometimes speak of rehabilitation as a battle, requiring tenacity and exceptional effort by the patient.' Says Zara's neurologist, Bob Rafal, of North Wales Brain Injury Service 'If the analogy is correct, then Zara is a happy warrior and of my heroes. She has the heart of a lion. She has not only overcome handicaps in mobility and speech to regain full independence but she has also steadfastly focused on the goal of preparing herself to help others.'

For Zara, she feels 'the learning experience has given me my confidence back. For the first time I have realised my disabilities are accepted and I will work and lead a normal life a life as possible. I would love to be employed as a support worker for special needs children, as to a certain degree I understand their frustrations. I hope to show them that like me, they too can succeed.