FRIENDS of a teenager who was left with a brain injury after a cycling accident have refused to leave their classmate out of school prom, and instead took the celebration to him.
Oliver Dibsdale fell from his bike when cycling in his hometown of Rugby last November.
The 15 year-old hit his head on the kerb and was left with a serious brain injury which saw him spend months in hospital. He was then referred to the Central England Rehabilitation Unit (CERU) in Leamington where he has been recovering for the last four weeks.
The teenager’s school prom was due to be held on Saturday, but as Oliver – known as Olly to family and friends – was too ill to go, his classmates from Ashlawn School decided to visit him before they went.
His friends donned tuxedos and ballgowns and showed up in flashy Aston Martin cars to meet Oliver, whose mum Julie had ensured he looked his finest in a smart suit and tie.
The classmates met outside the CERU building to celebrate and pose for photos.
Julie told the Observer: “As Olly was unable to go some of his friends decided to come and see him and have pictures taken before actually going to the prom.
“It was really emotional for all but such a lovely thing for his friends to do.”
Julie says her son has improved since the accident last year but doctors are still unsure what his long-term prognosis is.
She said: “Although Olly has made some good progress since his accident we have no idea at this moment in time what his full recovery will be.”
