A Fraserburgh dad left unable to walk or talk after a horrific car crash could finally be able to get home from hospital thanks to a major fundraising effort.
Jamie Cardno suffered severe injuries in January last year when hisFiat Punto hit black ice on the A98 Banff-Fraserburgh road.
He was cut free and airlifted to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, where he has remained since.
To this day the 23-year-old, who had worked as a technical manager at Baxter Food Group prior to his accident, can still only communicate through the use of cards and a tablet computer.
He faced being moved to a care home as there were no council properties available that were suitable for him and his family – which would have meant restricted contact with his two-year-old daughter, Emily-Rose.
Fiancee Catherine Stewart launched a
desperate push to raise £100,000 through donations and the sale of her house to fund a bungalow that could be made wheelchair accessible.
The couple also care for Miss Stewart’s six-year-old boy Jack.
Throughout the year fundraisers have been holding events to drum up the necessary cash.
And although they have fallen short of the ambitious target, they have together pulled in enough to bring Mr Cardno back to his parent’s home in the town.
Last night, Miss Stewart revealed the total was now £15,905 and said the kindness and support shown by the community had been “amazing”.
“This is a massive amount and so generous from everyone that has helped to reach this total,” Miss Stewart said.
“Jamie is still in Woodend, continuing to communicate through means of the iPad and prompt cards.
“He seems more aware of his surroundings everyday.
“We are now in a place where we can take Jamie home. Not the original plan, but to live with his mum and dad. I hope everyone will continue to think and hope for the best for our Jamie. He is and will always be our superhero.”
She has previously said it would unfair to have her fiance, who she has been with for five years, in a care home.
Miss Stewart said: “He shouldn’t spend the rest of his life in a home. He has been in hospital for over a year and he has never left. He should be with his kids.”
It is hoped that Jamie can now come back to Fraserburgh following his latest surgery, currently slated for September.
He will then have three months of recovery before being reunited with his family.
Because Mr Cardno was the only person involved in the car crash last year, they have been unable to claim any insurance money.
Donations to the cause can continue to be made at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/Homeforjamie
