Motorcyclist praises Sheffield gym staff after miracle recovery

When Kamar Syed suffered horrific injuries in a motorbike accident in 2008, he ‘died’ twice on the operating table and was kept in a medically induced coma for 10 days. But nearly two years on, Kamar (38) has made a miraculous recovery after undergoing a year of specially tailored workouts at Ponds Forge International Sports Centre’s Fitness Unlimited gym.

Kamar was riding along Glossop Road in Sheffield in May 2008 when a collision with an oncoming car threw him off his motorbike and onto the pavement. He suffered several severe injuries, including a broken hip, a detached knee cap, broken ankle and severed tendons – all in his left leg.

After being treated by paramedics at the scene, he was rushed to the city’s Northern General Hospital, where he underwent four lifesaving operations. Kamar was kept in a coma for 10 days before undergoing gentle physiotherapy and hydrotherapy with hospital staff. He remained in hospital for three weeks before being allowed home.

In the five months after his accident, Kamar remained in a wheelchair and continued regular sessions with a physiotherapist, building his strength in order to use crutches. In February 2009, he was advised to attend a gym to continue regaining his strength.

Kamar, from Halfway, said: “The accident left me with a number of significant injuries which meant I was virtually immobile for five months, until I regained enough strength to use crutches.

“After being advised to begin regular workouts, I researched local gyms but realised that most had very limited disabled access. Ponds Forge was one of very few with disabled parking facilities and lifts to improve access.”

Kamar immediately began visiting the Fitness Unlimited gym at Ponds Forge and was assigned an instructor to create a tailored workout, focusing on exercises to increase strength in the weakened areas of his body but realising his limitations.

Kamar added: “My instructor was fantastic from the outset. Not only did he make me feel at ease, but he spent time creating a workout focusing on the areas of my body which needed strengthening after my injuries.

“I found that the worst aspect of my recovery was pain management and exercise really alleviates the pain and stiffness in the joints in my left leg.

“I have noticed significant improvements since first attending Ponds Forge and I am extremely thankful for the support I have received. I still make sure I go three times a week to ensure I keep up my strength and stamina and I know that the instructors are still there for support if I need them. An added benefit is that I have lost two stones in weight!”

Doctors told Kamar he had experienced one of the worst leg traumas they had seen and in the months after the accident he was warned he may face further surgery to fix his ankle at 90 degrees after it was discovered that the talus bone in his ankle had ‘died’ after losing circulation.

However, after beginning his fitness regime, the condition of his bone improved and surgery was no longer needed. Doctors have praised his recovery, partly crediting his commitment to exercise for improving his condition.

Kamar, who returned to work at the Learning and Skills Council in October 2008, is now able to walk unaided and, although he will never be able to run again, he is grateful that he has a good quality of life. He is able to be more active with his two children, aged three and six.

Kamar said: “Although what I have been through has been horrific, I am thankful that I still have a really good quality of life. I strongly believe that without the gym sessions I wouldn’t have regained the mental and physical strength to overcome my injuries.

“Exercise has helped me to improve physical health, fitness and mobility, but it has also improved my focus, concentration and mood.

“I know there are still improvements to be made in my fitness and I will always face challenges, but I am keeping focused on what I can do, not what I can’t do. And thanks to both the hospital staff and Fitness Unlimited, I am back on my feet.”

Liam Shaw, fitness manager at Ponds Forge said: “Kamar has made a great recovery and we are thrilled to have been able to help him achieve his goals.  People join gyms for many different reasons not just for losing weight or building muscles. Kamar‘s results demonstrate how fitness can improve the quality of a person’s life.”

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