Ripon crash survivor urges drivers to take care after life-changing injuries

Joshua Kay-Shaw was 18 and travelling to York to sit an accounting exam when the car he was a passenger in lost control and collided with another vehicle on Marston Lane, in the city, on December 15, 2023.

He suffered a traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury, as well as a fractured breastbone, four fractured ribs, a punctured lung and injuries to his liver and spleen.

Joshua was airlifted to hospital and placed in an induced coma for four days. He spent four months in hospital and underwent surgery for his brain and spinal injuries.

Initially, he had no useful movement in his legs. He can now walk short distances using crutches and a specialist splint, but relies on a wheelchair for longer journeys.

His injuries meant he was unable to return to his accounting apprenticeship or complete his qualification.

Following his discharge from hospital, Joshua experienced severe pain in his legs, back and hips, as well as problems with his memory and concentration, fatigue, sleep difficulties and reduced mobility. He also needed help with aspects of his personal care and everyday life.

As part of his recovery, Joshua spent around four months at STEPS Rehabilitation Centre in Sheffield, where he worked on regaining his independence.

He has also found a new outlet through adaptive sport.

In 2024, he competed in the Inter Spinal Games at Stoke Mandeville Hospital, taking part in hand cycling, canoeing, shooting, archery, tennis and table tennis.

He also broke several wheelchair-based timed challenge records during his rehabilitation.

Joshua said his life had changed dramatically since the crash.

He said: “Before the incident, I was very active and independent. I enjoyed playing football, swimming, gaming, and spending time with friends.”

He had recently passed his driving test and was looking forward to the freedom of being able to drive himself.

His last memory before the crash is leaving for his exam and being wished good luck.

He said: “I have a vague memory of my mum telling me that I was in hospital and that I had been in an accident. I now realise that I was in a coma when I heard this and not fully awake.”

His first clear memory after the coma was of his family visiting him on Christmas Day.

Joshua said his recovery has been difficult, particularly because of the ongoing effects of his brain injury.

He said: “My short-term memory has been really bad and I find it difficult to concentrate and process information.”

He explained he can sometimes ask the same questions repeatedly because he does not remember having asked them, and can forget conversations he has had the previous day.

However, a new wheelchair has made a significant difference to his day-to-day life. The wheelchair initially provided to him was heavy and uncomfortable, whereas a specialist lightweight wheelchair funded as part of a settlement has improved his mobility.

Joshua lived with his grandparents following the crash, and their home was adapted to meet his needs, including changes to the bathroom. In late 2025, he moved into a rented property with his girlfriend.

Despite the challenges he continues to face, Joshua said taking part in the Inter Spinal Games had helped him reconnect with his love of sport.

“Playing in the Inter Spinal Games taught me a lot about resilience and finding joy in new experiences.”

He said the experience had also changed his outlook and made him more outgoing.

“I think it's because I've come to realise that there is more to life and my attitude has changed,” he said.

Joshua is now hoping to regain more of his independence and eventually return to work.

“I know I still face many challenges but I'm determined to try and regain more of my independence and to not be defined by what happened,” he said.

“Because of my injuries I'm not sure I could be an accountant but a big motivation is trying to find a job.”

Joshua and his family received legal support from Irwin Mitchell following the collision, with a settlement secured to help meet the costs of his ongoing rehabilitation and support.

He is sharing his experience as part of Major Trauma Awareness Week, which runs until September 20 and aims to highlight the impact traumatic injuries can have on people's lives and the importance of rehabilitation and support.

Joshua hopes his experience will encourage other road users, particularly young people, to think about the potential consequences of their actions.

“I hope by sharing what happened to me it will make other people take care on the roads, especially young people.”

He added: “It's not just your life you're taking into your own hands when you get on the road, it's also the lives of other drivers, passengers and pedestrians.”

Lucy Nickson, chief executive of Day One Trauma Support, which supported Joshua and his family, said people who suffer life-changing injuries can need emotional and practical support as well as rehabilitation.

“Such serious injuries can alter the course of a person's life in an instant,” she said.

“Day One Trauma Support is here for people, like Joshua, giving emotional and practical support when they need it most.”