A story of one courageous man who never gave up…

At just 16 years old, Sam Formby, from Ormskirk, was preparing for his GCSEs and excited about the future when he suddenly collapsed due to a brain haemorrhage. He was rushed to hospital, where he spent 13 gruelling months, including three weeks in an induced coma. The haemorrhage significantly affected his mobility, communication, and mental wellbeing.

Surgeons worked tirelessly to save his life. Though he appeared motionless and unconscious, Sam recalls being aware of his surroundings in a dreamlike state. His family, despite being told to prepare for the worst, never gave up hope and supported him every step of the way.

However, the road to recovery was long and challenging. As Sam slowly emerged back into the world, he began to feel increasingly isolated. Struggling with his mental health, he turned to alcohol, and his social anxiety became so severe that even meeting new people made him physically ill. He knew something had to change.

Determined to reclaim his life, Sam started making small but powerful steps forward. With the help of friends and carers, he rebuilt his social life, joined a gym, and even completed his first half marathon using a hand bike. In 2016, he took on the Blackpool Marathon, raising £500 for charity.

Always determined to defy expectations, Sam has made resilience his mantra. His book, Never Give Up, is an inspiring account of his journey, offering hope to anyone facing life-changing circumstances. “I want my words to be a helping hand to people who are struggling,” he says. He firmly believes that with the right mindset, you can refuse to give up, rebuild your life, and make it your best yet.

His mission doesn’t stop there. Sam continues to focus on his fitness and recovery while also using his experiences to motivate others through public speaking. He has ambitious plans to take up wheelchair boxing and dreams of opening a community centre complete with a hydrotherapy pool, café, and gym.

It’s fair to say that Sam has beaten the odds—and he’s far from done yet! 

“There is no glory in defeat – Never Give Up ” – Sam Formby

You can buy a copy of Sam’s book from About the Town Central, or by visiting: www.samformby.co.uk