A YOUNG man who is overcoming the challenges of a brain injury is fundraising for an adventure of a lifetime.

Connor Bestford, 25, is raising money to take part in a Jubilee Sailing Trust tall ship experience that allows people with disabilities to crew the adapted Tenacious, the largest wooden tall ship of her kind in the world.

With the help of his support worker Maxine Neve, Connor, of Sunfield Close, is organising an event for Headway, a charity that helps individuals who have sustained a head injury, which will then fund Connor’s adventure.

Mum Karen said: “On the June 3, 2010 Connor had a massive stroke. He was taken to Winchester hospital.

“They didn’t think it was a stroke because he was only 17 so didn’t treat him in time. He was taken to Southampton General at about 6am the following morning and he was kept there just in case he needed a craniotomy, where they have to remove the skull.

“They said it was a worst case scenario thing. Thank God they took him there because they had to go to the worst case scenario.

“It was in Asda. When a 17-year-old hits the floor at 11:20pm at night, they think drink or drugs. They ruled out drink pretty quickly because you can smell drink, but even the paramedics said it could be methadone misuse and I said ‘he hasn’t done drugs he’s been with me all day’.

“I’ll never forget that day, it’s like it was yesterday. I remember the paramedic trying to tell me he’s putting it on, trying to stand him up – he looked like a ragdoll.”

Connor spent five-and-a-half months in hospital and a further six months at a brain injury rehab centre. The stroke left him unable to read, write and communicate properly as well as suffering paralysis on his right side.

Mrs Bestford said: “He’s come a long way since then. He’s gone from being a giant newborn baby to pretty much OK.

“I’m really proud of him. When I think back to what he was like, you kind of forget how bad he was. I would have never thought eight years ago that I would be sat here with him like this. I would have said not a chance.”

Connor’s support worker Maxine said: “It’ll be good for him. People look at him and they think 6ft 8ins chap, good looking lad, got a lot of self-esteem and confidence, but he hasn’t, not with some situations, so this will do him good.”

The pair are currently on a drive to get as much help as they can with the fundraiser that is being held on Friday, August 10, at The Royal British Legion in Osbourne Road. They are appealing for people or organisations to help by donating raffle prizes, time and services.

The evening will start at 6.30pm with a quiz followed by a raffle and singer Jake Ward. Tickets will be on sale from the venue and Bladez Barbers in Winchester Road. It will be £10 per team of four for the quiz and £5 for the tickets for the evening. The hope is to raise over £1,000 for the charity.

The idea of the voyage was suggested by the charity Headway, as they have bursaries available to help people. Maxine added: “They planted the seed. It gave us something to do and something to look forward to.”

The tall ship voyage will be setting sail for four days from Portsmouth to London in September. Connor will be bringing a buddy along on the trip to help him on his way.

Maxine said: “The biggest problem we have with Connor is the size of the bunk on the ship – he’s 6ft 8ins.

“So for Connor the first thing he’s thinking of is will he fit in his bed?”

Raffle prizes can be dropped off at Bladez Barbers and to donate go to justgiving.com/hssw.