A BUILDER who suffered brain injuries after a major road accident more than 10 years ago is just a hop, a skip and a jump away from helping other victims.

Darren Helm, a self-employed builder working in Accrington, was involved in a road accident in September 1990, which resulted in him lying in a coma for 10 days fighting for life.

He suffered a broken shoulder, broken ribs and head injuries which meant he could not walk or talk until 12 months after the accident. Darren, now 30, was 18 at the time and at home on leave from the RAF. He was medically discharged after the accident. His early stages of rehabilitation were carried out at Headley Court, in Surrey, and after returning to East Lancashire he became involved with Headway Brain Injury Association which he is now hoping to raise cash for.

The local branch of the national organisation is based in Burnley and provides support for people who have suffered brain injuries and their families. Their help was invaluable to Darren and his parents Carol and David.

Darren, 30, who has a property in St Cecilia Street, Great Harwood, decided on a sponsored skip to raise funds for the Burnley based organisation and will be joined by fellow member Paul Chapman, 29, of Cromwell Avenue, Knuzden.

Both men are currently in training at Hyndburn Sports Centre, Henry Street, but will carry out the sponsored skip at Brierfield Community Centre, where Headway meet every month, on January 26. Darren said: "The people at Headway have been a big help and were there for me and my family. Now I want to put something back and help them to help others."

To find out more about Headway or to sponsor Darren and Paul call Margaret Monkton on 01282 425109 or call in at one of the meetings held on the first Wednesday of each month from 7.30pm.