A MOTORCYCLIST says his life is now a “vicious cycle of managing fatigue and anxiety” after he sustained a brain injury in a Bassett crash.

Marco Gambi, 47, from Chippenham, was left with the brain injury when the biker hit a car as it turned onto the High Street in January 2016.

Broken bones were to be expected given the traumatic nature of the crash. But what Marco, who woke in Bath’s Royal United Hospital with no memory of the devastating bike smash, didn’t expect was the extreme exhaustion he now feels as a result of the brain injury.

Speaking on the first day of Action for Brain Injury Week, Marco said: “I feel like my life is now a vicious cycle of managing fatigue and anxiety. If I do too much the fatigue kicks in, this then triggers my anxiety which then exhausts me.

“It’s so frustrating because it means I have to plan every hour of every day. I’m always wondering whether I can do a certain activity, weighing up how it might affect me before and after and also who else it might impact on. It is just so tiring all the time.

Activities that he used to enjoy, like playing golf or going to the gym, he now finds take up to 24 hours to recover from.

Marco, who lives with his partner Dawn, 49, said he used to enjoy golfing weekends away with friends.

“I can no longer play golf on consecutive days as it is far too draining for me,” he said. Since the accident he had lost touch with some of his golfing friends.

“The social life I share with Dawn has also been affected because we can’t go to shows or concerts anymore as it’s too tiring for me with my brain having to work harder to process excessive noise and people around me. Even a meal out locally can often end up being cut short if my fatigue or anxiety kicks in.”

Marco, who has received support from brain charity Headway, said: “I am still surprised by how much fatigue can affect me, but ultimately I recognise that my brain is still attempting to repair itself and recover from what it has been through. The hardest thing is knowing I will never fully recover.

“Action for Brain Injury Week puts a spotlight on all aspects of having a brain injury and the impact of fatigue is undoubtedly important. It is vital that people who maybe work or live with those affected by brain injuries understand the issue.”

'Marco's shown incredible courage'

Lawyer Georgina Moorhead, who represents Marco and has secured cash to help fund his rehabilitation, praised her client’s courage.

The Bristol-based solicitor with firm Irwin Mitchell said: “Marco has shown incredible courage and resilience over the past few years, not only coming to terms with his accident but also the long-term impact that it has had on him.

“Fatigue is a huge part of life with a brain injury, but it can often be overlooked as a major issue and significantly misunderstood.

“Action for Brain Injury Week has put a spotlight on this matter and Marco’s story highlights how the seriousness of such issues cannot be underestimated.”

Crashes can have devastating impact - police

Marco's case showed the terrible impact a crash could have, police said.

A Wiltshire Police spokeswoman told the Swindon Advertiser: “This case is just one example of the devastating impact a collision of this nature can have on an individual. There are a number of factors that can cause collisions on our roads and it is important to remember that a momentary lapse in concentration can have really serious consequences, and as with this case, the individual who was injured continues to be affected by the injuries he sustained years after the collision happened.

“We regularly carry out road safety operations and continue to promote the dangers of drink and drug driving, as well as using a mobile phone while driving and how to stay safe on the county’s roads.

“We would urge anyone who wishes to report a dangerous driver to call 101 or 999 if in progress.”

For road safety advice, visit:

www.wiltshire.police.uk/vehiclesandroads

.