Lockwood taxi driver Stephen Wilson left brain damaged after shoe attack

Aug 1 2009 by Sam Casey, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

“It’s like I have a permanent hangover now,” he said.

“I have to wear headphones on public transport because my hearing is so sensitive.

“I lose concentration very quickly. My wife has to look after me and keep an eye on me all the time.”

Mr Wilson’s condition has improved, but he still suffers from symptoms including balance problems, sight difficulties, colour blindness, slow reactions and short-term memory loss.

He is unable to write but has regained the power of speech and can read again.

And he is slowly rebuilding his life with the help of Huddersfield brain injuries support group Headway.

The group meets once a month to support people with traumatic brain injuries.

Mrs Wilson, 36, is about to undertake a daredevil skydive from 10,000ft to raise money for the group.

She said: “Life has been very difficult. I suffer from depression myself and Stephen used to look after me. Now I have to look after him.

“I have to be here whenever he goes out just in case something happens.

“Headway has been really good, really supportive.”

Stephanie Jessop, chairman of the Huddersfield branch of Headway, said: “Yvonne has been a breath of fresh air for us. We were a very quiet group and we really needed someone to help us kick start some fundraising. Yvonne has been brilliant.”

Mrs Wilson’s skydive will take place in September. To donate visit the website at www.justgiving.com/ymwilson2009.

A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said the attack on Mr Wilson had been fully investigated.

He added: “Unfortunately, there were no positive lines of inquiry and the file was closed. If any new evidence came to light, we would be more than happy to investigate further.”