Scot returns to work after 12 years
A COMPUTER worker left in a coma after a road accident returned to work yesterday – after being off sick for 12 years.
Karl McLennan has been left unable to walk or talk by the accident which nearly killed him in 1997, not long after he joined Prosource IT.
But he delighted friends and workmates at the firm at Christmas when he asked if he could return.
Bosses have now supplied Karl, 37, who communicates using a Lightwriter machine which speaks the words he types, with a new laptop on which he will moderate web forums.
Workforce director Craig Adam, a good friend of Karl, said yesterday: “It’s almost unbelievable.
“The accident came pretty close to killing Karl and ripped his life apart. It took about five or six months before he really came back to us.”
Karl was engaged before his accident but the relationship ended as he fought to recover.
But Craig reckons his pal’s life is finally back on track.
He said: “Because he was so badly hurt it looked nearly impossible he would ever come back to work.
“But it’s amazing he has and we are all absolutely thrilled.”
Karl suffered massive injuries when he was hit by a car on Great Northern Road, Aberdeen, after he fell backwards off a pavement during a night out.
Doctors advised friends and family to prepare for the worst as he spent five weeks in a coma.
After coming out of the coma, he lived in care homes but recently moved into his own place – where he has a carer he refers to as his “butler”.
Craig is delighted Karl, who tours Britain attending beer festivals, is back where he belongs with his colleagues at Banchory firm Prosource.
He said: “Most of the guys who started at the same time as Karl are still with us and have really progressed through the company.
“Getting him back to work is like putting the team back together again. It’s brilliant.”
Karl’s carer, who asked not to be named, said: “This will make a big difference to Karl.
“It proves there is some light at the end of the tunnel.”
March 28th, 2009 at 7:07 am
Hey i think what this guy has gone through is hell and what the coumpany is doing to let him get back to work is great most places of employment would just wash there hands of a person after the first day and say “Karl who” but these people are awsome and Karl is right on too for going back and giving it a go so two thumbs up for all involved I would be really interested in updates on how Karl is doing and let my child who is really happy for him and tells all the kids in her school about this article and says do not give up try harder this guy did so please let us know thanks kevin and Jayden
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November 16th, 2009 at 10:58 am
Scot must have been a good man. 12 years is a long time already, and yet his friends in the office are there to accept him and love him and allowing him to be a part of the company again. Amazing!