Adam Golebiewski, 18, was a passenger in a car when a collision resulted in both his legs needing amputating – the brave youngster has since vowed to carry on enjoying his life
A teenager whose promising football career was ended after losing both legs in a horrific car crash said he will “never forgive” the drink-driver responsible for it.
Adam Golebiewski, an 18-year-old from Banff in Aberdeenshire, Scotland sustained severe injuries in the car accident on Union Road in Macduff on September 8 last year. At the time of the collision, Adam, then 17, was a passenger in Arran Paterson’s vehicle.
He was rushed to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary where he underwent a double leg amputation below the knee. Following the life-changing surgery, the young goalkeeper for junior side Deveronside endured on a challenging three-month rehabilitation at Woodend Hospital.
Despite the hardship, he celebrated his 18th birthday during this period and was eventually fitted with prosthetic legs.
Paterson, 19, pleaded guilty at Aberdeen Sheriff Court to dangerous driving, exceeding the drink-drive limit, and driving without insurance.
Following his intensive rehabilitation, Adam made his way into court unaided on his prosthetic limbs, reports Aberdeen Live.
Speaking to BBC News, the teen said that his “life is not over”. He stated: “I will never forgive that man for what he has done to me. I am still the same, I just don’t have legs any more. I want to try to enjoy life again and stay positive.”
Adam, an apprentice builder, was one of three passengers in the ill-fated car. The other two passengers also suffered serious injuries.
Adam has made a remarkable recovery, regaining the ability to walk with the aid of crutches, and expressed his gratitude to be spending Christmas with his loved ones.
Reflecting on the ordeal, he admitted: “I just thought in my head: ‘Why was it me? Why did it happen to a guy that was just trying to do well in life?’.”
Despite the challenges, Adam was thrilled with his progress, saying: “It’s a bit crazy to be walking already. I was just so happy to get out. I am very happy with them [the prosthetics], I get to do normal things again.”
Adam’s resilience and positivity shone through as he shared: “If I am with people I am the happiest person alive. Even when I cry I will smile.”
After months of pain and hospitalisation, Adam was relieved to be back home, stating: “It’s been three months of pain, being trapped in hospital but I am home now, so that’s the most important thing.”
“When people praised his strength, Adam humbly acknowledged: “People say we’re so proud of you, you must be proud of yourself. I’m just like ‘I am’ but I would keep that to myself.”
Adam appeared at the court hearing, walking without crutches alongside his family and friends.
Paterson entered guilty pleas to all three charges, admitting to causing serious injury by driving dangerously and at excessive speed, losing control, and colliding with a wall.
Sheriff Graham Buchanan deferred sentencing until next month pending the preparation of background reports. Bail was continued and he was disqualified from driving.
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