The survivor of a hit and run incident who was left with brain damage has rediscovered his love for playing music with help from Thompsons Solicitors, thanks to an innovative all-plastic trumpet.

Steve Rogers was an 18-year-old student at the University of Sheffield in 2005 when he suffered his injury.

He was crossing the road on his way home after a night out with friends when he was knocked down by a stolen car being pursued by the police. Steve suffered a traumatic head injury which required a seven hour brain operation, three weeks in intensive care and many months of rehabilitation.   

As a result of his injuries, Steve has limited feeling in and use of the right side of his body. Following the accident, he had to learn to speak, read and write again, and continues to suffer from epilepsy.

As a talented trumpet player at school, Steve had tried to get back into playing following his accident – but only being able to use his left hand to hold a heavy trumpet and operate the valves at the same time proved too difficult.

A picture of Steve Rogers playing his new trumpet.
Steve Rogers, centre, plays the new pTrumpet made for him following his injury
Steve’s story goes to show that brain injury survivors don’t have to stop doing the things they love because of their injury, as long as the support is available. We hope that Steve’s playing goes from strength to strength.

David Gauler Serious Injury specialist at Thompsons Solicitors

Our serious injury solicitor, David Gauler, met Steve through his involvement with the Silverlining Brain Injury Charity, which helps those living with brain injuries and is supported by Thompsons Solicitors. David learned of Steve’s love of music and knew of the plastic trumpet through fellow Thompsons’ serious injury solicitor, Laura Harper, an accomplished musician herself, with friend and family involvement in the pTrumpet enterprise. Thanks to its lightweight design, the pTrumpet enabled Steve to play once again.

Steven Greenall, CEO of Tamworth-based Warwick Music Group, said: “A story like Steve's is why we do what we do. Our aim is to bring music to the lives of as many as possible, whatever their age, physical ability or level of experience. We’re inspired by Steve's attitude and wish him every success in his future as a trumpet player.”

David Gauler of Thompsons Solicitors said: “We are delighted to have worked with Warwick Music to ensure Steve can return to his long-held passion and continue playing the trumpet following his injury.

“Steve’s story goes to show that brain injury survivors don’t have to stop doing the things they love because of their injury, as long as the support is available. We hope that Steve’s playing goes from strength to strength.”