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Leeds fan out of coma after promotion parade fall

Jess Grieveson-Smith
BBC News, Yorkshire
Stacey Barker Ed O'Brien wearing a navy top and holding a glass, with ocean behind him.Stacey Barker
Ed O'Brien fell when a branch snapped beneath him.

A Leeds United fan who was seriously injured when he fell out of a tree during the club's promotion parade has woken from his coma, his mum said.

Ed O'Brien, 23, from York, suffered life-threatening injuries during the celebrations in Millennium Square on 5 May.

Stacey Barker said her son had woken up on Monday and thanked those who had looked after him at Leeds General Infirmary, saying they had "worked what I can only describe as a miracle".

A fundraiser begun by Leeds United fans since the incident has reached almost £15,000, with Ms Barker adding: "The response we have received from the Leeds United family has been nothing short of phenomenal."

Stacey Barker Five people standing in a line. From left to right Ed O'Brien's brother, Stanley, his sister Alice, his mum, Stacey, his sister, Emily and Ed.Stacey Barker
Mr O'Brien's family have spent the past week by his bedside

Ms Barker said: "As his parents, we have felt wholeheartedly supported by his extended football family and I'm more than sure, in the coming weeks, Edward himself will appreciate the outpouring of love and concern for his wellbeing from his Leeds kin.

She described her son waking up as "the development they had hoped and prayed for".

She told the BBC: "It is clear he has a long way to go just now but, for the first time since the initial prognosis was delivered, we feel more than confident that Edward stands a fantastic chance of a very good recovery.

"It is more than any of us ever dared to hope only eight days ago.

"The relief we feel is simply indescribable, we couldn't be any happier right now."

Paying tribute to the the health professionals at Leeds General Infirmary who treated her son she said: "In a thousand lifetimes, we could never convey our gratitude to you all in supporting us in getting to this point, nor repay the debt we, as a family, owe the LGI.

"We are still uncertain what the future holds for Edward but, as a family, we are more than confident with the love of the majority and the expertise of the remarkable professionals looking after him, he will continue to amaze us all for many months to come."

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