FRIENDS of an Ashlawn School student who was left with a brain injury after a cycling accident refused to leave their classmate out of the school prom – so decided to take the celebration to him.
Oliver Dibsdale fell from his bike in Hillmorton High Street last November.
The 15 year-old hit his head on the kerb and was left with a serious brain injury which saw him spend four weeks in critical care, and a further 15 at Birmingham children’s hospital.
He was then referred to the Central England Rehabilitation Unit (CERU) in Leamington where he has been recovering for the last four weeks.
The teenager’s school prom was held on Saturday, but as Oliver – Olly to family and friends – was too ill to go, his schoolmates decided to visit him before they went.
His friends, decked out in tuxedos and ballgowns, showed up in Aston Martins to meet Oliver, whose mum Julie had ensured he was similarly well attired.
The classmates met outside the CERU building to celebrate and pose for photos.
Julie told the Observer: “As Olly was unable to go, some of his friends decided to come and see him and have pictures taken before actually going to the prom.
“It was really emotional for all but such a lovely thing for his friends to do.
“He was a bubbly character and always popular at school, especially with the girls. Many of his friends have visited him often since the accident which has been lovely and I’m sure it helps with his recovery.”
Olly’s friends, twins Charlotte and Angus Spence, said they jumped at the chance to visit him before the prom.
Charlotte said: “I really wanted Olly to be involved in the Prom as much as possible and the response was brilliant.
“It took lots of planning but it was worth all the hard work as Olly means so much to us – it made prom day extra special.
“Olly will be able to look at the photos in the future and remind him of this special day – and it will show him that his friends really care.”
Julie added her son had improved since the accident, but doctors were still unsure what his long-term prognosis was.
She said: “Although Olly has made some good progress since his accident we have no idea at this moment in time what his full recovery will be.”
