Pride of Australia nominee James Atkin reveals the drive that took him from a coma to preparing for 300km trek in the desert

JAMES Atkin was only 19 and celebrating the end of the university semester with mates when a collision with a taxi spun his world on its axis

JAMES Atkin was only 19 and celebrating the end of the university semester with mates when a collision with a taxi spun his world on its axis.

The impact was so severe he received a traumatic brain injury and spent 17 days in a coma at the Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital.

Two years on, Mr Atkin is determined to “give back the help” that he, mercifully, never needed.

He is preparing to traipse across the Simpson Desert next year in a 300km trek to raise money for Youngcare, which works to create choice for people under 65 with high-care needs.

His determination has seen him nominated for a Pride of Australia award in the Young Leader category.

The 21-year-old recalls that he came “incredibly” close to relying on Youngcare.

“I slightly know what’s it’s like to be in that situation or the potential for that situation,” James said.

“Luckily I didn’t need it, but I still feel indebted to them and want to help out wherever I can,” he said.

Mr Atkin said he endured many months of occupational and speech therapy.

“Occupational therapy ended late last year and speech ended in March or April. I felt great. It was quite nice to get over the milestones and be functioning enough to no longer need (the therapy).”

Mr Atkin has been heading up Brisbane’s Mt Coot-tha once a week to build up endurance for next year’s desert trek.

“Yeah, it’s daunting, but I know if I raise the money I’ve got to complete it, I’ve got to do my part,” he said.

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