From Crash to PhD: EmmaLucy Beats Brain Injury Against the Odds
By Health and Education Correspondent
A devastating motorbike accident in Iceland almost ended EmmaLucy Cole’s career — but the determined PhD student from Taunton refused to let it beat her.
EmmaLucy, who had just finished the second year of her English Literature doctorate, suffered post-concussion syndrome after the accident.
The condition brought migraines, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, and memory loss — forcing her to take a year off her studies and leaving her unable to continue teaching as a lecturer.
With help from her supervisors, Headway Somerset, and the University of Bristol’s Disability Services, EmmaLucy pushed on.
She returned to her thesis with fresh eyes, completing it with only minor corrections, and finally walked across the stage at the Great Hall of the Wills Memorial Building to graduate.
EmmaLucy said:
“Prior to the injury I was a lecturer at the University of Exeter and taught Liberal Arts at Bristol, was an adventurer, trail runner and spoke at adventure festivals and the Royal Geographical Society. All of that was lost after the accident.
“I was exhausted. But this was a different kind of exhaustion. My loss of memory meant that I had forgotten all my research and had to go back to my uncompleted thesis with fresh eyes as I couldn’t recall what I had done and how I had come to the conclusions I had. Financially it was also very challenging because I was unable to work. The University provided some financial support which really helped.”
The University’s Disability Services team helped create a study support plan with adjustments to make her work accessible.
They provided taxi support to keep her connected with campus and supervisors, specialist mentoring, and advice on assistive technology, including dictation software.
Funding options like the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) were also made available.
George St John, Disability Advisor, said:
“We are so happy for EmmaLucy’s success. Graduating with a PhD is a huge achievement, and really reflects her hard work, determination and resilience. Congratulations EmmaLucy, and we wish you all the best for what's next.”
Professor Madhu Krishnan added: “Emma was an exemplary student. Her heart, mind and intelligence are the best I've known. Mentoring her was a pleasure and privilege especially knowing the things she has gone though.”
EmmaLucy said:
“I am extremely relieved to have managed to complete the PhD, with the support of my fantastic supervisors, the team at disability services, and vital support from Headway Somerset. They all kept me going when I was at my lowest.
“I am now beginning to rebuild my life with a head injury, although there is a long way to go yet. After graduation I am moving to Scotland with my amazing and supportive partner, Iain, so that I can rediscover my academic writing and teaching career, play music, and hopefully train to return to gentle outdoor adventures.”
