Ben Gregory’s girlfriend says he has ‘transformed’ since moving to new hospital

Ben Gregory’s girlfriend Naomi Heffernan has revealed her partner has ‘transformed’ since moving to a new hospital and has an ‘exciting and independent future ahead’.

Naomi provided an update on the 31-year-old decathlete’s condition after he sustained a fractured skull and multiple brain injuries following a horrific car crash in August.

Sharing a photo of the pair enjoying a coffee, Naomi said it was their first outing in months and made them feel like a ‘normal couple’ again.

Couple: Ben Gregory’s girlfriend Naomi Heffernan has revealed her partner has ‘transformed’ since moving to a new hospital and has an ‘exciting and independent future ahead’

She wrote: ‘Last week I got to go out for coffee with Ben for the first time in 4 months with Ben’s mum, Lorraine and one of his therapist, Roxi.

‘It was just like we were a normal couple living a normal life maybe even forgetting about a brain injury for just a second.

‘Since Ben moved to The Wellington Hospital nearly a month ago, he has transformed. The level of care and therapy is outstanding and has 1000% contributed to his incredible progress.’

Naomi added that Ben’s recovery from his traumatic brain injury would be a long one but she is looking forward to what the new year will bring.

Injury: Naomi provided an update on the 31-year-old decathlete's condition after he sustained a fractured skull and multiple brain injuries following a horrific car crash in August

Injury: Naomi provided an update on the 31-year-old decathlete’s condition after he sustained a fractured skull and multiple brain injuries following a horrific car crash in August

Naomi wrote: 'It was just like we were a normal couple living a normal life maybe even forgetting about a brain injury for just a second'

Naomi wrote: ‘It was just like we were a normal couple living a normal life maybe even forgetting about a brain injury for just a second’

She said: ‘They say that recovering from TBI is a life long process but I believe with all my heart that Ben has an exciting and independent future ahead of him. 

‘It could take another 4-6 months of being in hospital but 2023 will see us living together again and getting some normality back. 

‘All kinds of therapy will be a huge part of Ben’s daily life for a long time to come – from physio, occupational, music and neuropsychology. 

‘It will help him gain back his cognitive and physical functions to become more and more like the Ben we all know.’

Support: Naomi added that Ben's recovery from his traumatic brain injury would be a long one but she is looking forward to what the new year will bring

Support: Naomi added that Ben’s recovery from his traumatic brain injury would be a long one but she is looking forward to what the new year will bring

Naomi concluded her post by thanking her and Ben’s followers for their well wishes and fundraising support.

She said: ‘Thank you all so much for everything that you have done to help Ben over these last 4 months. 

‘From fundraisers to challenges and workouts. One day Ben will take so much comfort in looking back at the support you’ve all given him.

‘2022 will always be remembered as the year our lives got turned upside down, but from here on in – things can only get better.’ 

Ben’s injuries were sustained after being struck by a car, British Olympian Kelly Sotherton confirmed.

Details of the accident came just two days after Ben took to Instagram teasing some ‘exciting news’ that he hoped to share soon, accompanied by a video clip of himself exercising on a treadmill.

Naomi added: 'They say that recovering from TBI is a life long process but I believe with all my heart that Ben has an exciting and independent future ahead of him'

 Naomi added: ‘They say that recovering from TBI is a life long process but I believe with all my heart that Ben has an exciting and independent future ahead of him’

In an Instagram post at the time, Naomi said she knew ‘this is going to be a long road to recovery’, but added she has faith he is ‘going to pull through.’ 

‘I’ll hopefully know more on Monday when they put a sedation hold on him,’ she added. ‘His reaction to that will say which way this is going to go.’ 

Naomi added she has ‘never felt so scared, helpless and sick to the stomach. Ben needs you positive thoughts and prayers right now. Those who know Ben know how strong he is mentally and physically, he’s a fighter and he’ll get through this.

‘Please pray for him and send all the positive energy and thoughts you can muster.’

In an Instagram post at the time, Naomi said she knew 'this is going to be a long road to recovery', but added she has faith he is 'going to pull through.'

In another post, Heffernan said she knew 'this is going to be a long road to recovery' but she has faith he is 'going to pull through'

 In an Instagram post at the time, Naomi said she knew ‘this is going to be a long road to recovery’, but added she has faith he is ‘going to pull through.’

Injury: Gregory suffered a fractured skull, neck and multiple haemorrhages to his brain. He is currently in a coma and on life support. He is pictured during a Sunday cycle around Epping Forest in February 2021

Injury: Gregory suffered a fractured skull, neck and multiple haemorrhages to his brain. He is currently in a coma and on life support. He is pictured during a Sunday cycle around Epping Forest in February 2021

Ben has competed in track and field for more than a decade and has found success at many competitive events despite setbacks caused by injuries.

He represented Team GB at the junior and senior level in European Cup matches and competed in his first Major Championships, the Commonwealth Games, in 2010 in Delhi. At the event he placed sixth, setting a new commonwealth record in pole vault.

He placed sixth again at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014 and set another lifetime best. However, he was two points shy of breaking the Welsh National Record, GetBuzzing reported.

He later set the new Welsh National Record in 2016 after he competed at the Mount Sac Relays and won the Decathlon.

Ben also held a modelling contract with London-based agency W Model Management. His modelling work as used for campaigns worldwide.

Career: Ben has competed in track and field for more than a decade and has found success at many competitive events despite setbacks caused by injuries (pictured in 2018)

Career: Ben has competed in track and field for more than a decade and has found success at many competitive events despite setbacks caused by injuries (pictured in 2018) 

Gregory was also involved in a cycling accident in September 2020. He documented the crash on his Instagram account with a series of images holding his damaged helmet.

The athlete used the crash as an opportunity to reiterate how important it is to wear a helmet while riding. 

‘They do a job & they’re inexpensive when you think about what the alternative would be,’ he penned in the October 2, 2020, post.

‘Pick up a helmet when you ride a bike, just the same as you’d put a seatbelt on in a car. Be safe. Grateful to be in one piece after the collision on Monday. Thank you all so much for all the well wishes and support. It’s been a tough week but definitely on the road to recovery.’

Accident: Gregory was also involved in a cycling accident in September 2020. He documented the crash on his Instagram account with a series of images holding his damaged helmet

The athlete used the crash as an opportunity to reiterate how important it is to wear a helmet while riding, telling his followers: 'They do a job & they¿re inexpensive when you think about what the alternative would be. Pick up a helmet when you ride a bike, just the same as you¿d put a seatbelt on in a car'

Accident: Gregory was also involved in a cycling accident in September 2020. He documented the crash on his Instagram account with a series of images holding his damaged helmet 

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