You can win the battle, Adam!

Aaron Whitehead made a full recovery after a near identical accident to Adam McQuillan.

Road horror survivor Aaron’s message of hope
WHEN young Adam McQuillan was knocked down in Abbeyhills Road in October an entire community was in shock. Ten weeks after he suffered severe head injuries he woke from his coma, answering the prayers of his family and giving them the best Christmas present they could have hoped for. And our story last night (http://www.oldham-chronicle.co.uk/news-features/8/news-headlines/64981/little-miracle) transported Aaron Whitehead back to his childhood when he too was left in a coma after a near-identical accident on the same road.


The similarities between the accidents of Adam McQuillan and Aaron Whitehead, 30 years apart, are uncanny.

Aaron was aged just eight, the same as Adam, when he walked from his house in Whitby Road and crossed Abbeyhills Road to visit the newsagents.

On his way home he was struck by a car and dragged down the road. He suffered a fractured skull, swelling on the brain and horrific cuts.

It was an experience he wouldn’t wish on anyone. Aaron, now 38, said: “My mum was poorly at the time so I said I would go to the shop for some washing powder.

“I remember being at the shop but the rest is just a blur. From what I was told, my jacket was caught on the back bumper and I was dragged along the road.

“I couldn’t believe it when I heard about Adam, it was like history was repeating itself with another family.

“I’ve made a full recovery and I hope that will give some support to Adam’s family.”

Following the incident, Aaron was rushed to Oldham Royal, and later to Booth Hall Children’s Hospital to undergo surgery to repair part of his skull and drain fluid on his brain.

Just like Adam, Aaron was in a coma, his mum hoping for the best but fearing for the worst.

He said: “It must have been a tough time for everyone. I was known as the ward streaker apparently as I would get up and run around naked, but I couldn’t remember a thing afterwards.

“My first memories are of my mum reading me letters that friends and family had sent me, she’s still got them.”

Aaron had to take a year’s leave from Alt Primary School and go through intensive physio to learn how to walk again.

Now he’s a proud father of four and has had a rewarding career as a manufacturing engineer. Two small scars on his head are the only reminders of that horrendous day.

Three decades later eight-year-old Adam is now facing a similar road to recovery. His progress is slow but his condition is improving, now able to move his arms and legs.

Aaron, who now lives in Tameside, said: “It would be nice to see Adam eventually, I’m proof that you can get through this.”