A FATHER of two from Rugby who miraculously recovered from a near fatal car crash at the beginning of last year has made a full recovery and is preparing to run the London Marathon to raise funds for those who helped his recovery.
Lifelong Coventry City fan Guy Watt knows how lucky he is to still be alive after his car collided into a tree on the A45 near its junction with the M45 on January 31, 2014.
The 44-year-old was left with multiple internal injuries and fractures to his leg and pelvis, and remained in a coma at University Hospital in Coventry for two weeks. Doctors told family and friends he had only a small chance of surviving.
But Guy overcame the odds and defied doctor’s predictions by making a full recovery.
Now after missing out on running in last year’s London Marathon, Guy is making his long-awaited return to the road to take part in the 26-mile event in the capital.
And this time around he is raising funds for an extra cause which played a crucial role in his amazing story.
“If it wasn’t for the Air Ambulance I would probably not be here to tell the story,” Guy told the Observer. “I am now a keen supporter of the charity and Phab have been amazing in their support of me since I chose to run for them last year.
“I wanted to run the Marathon to prove to myself that I could still run, but also to raise money for the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance and Phab.
“The training has been hard, but the incentive I have had, has been the target to raise over £1,000 for the charities. On April 26, I will take my place on the start line, and run what will be a very emotional 26.2 miles.”
Guy has been through intense physiotherapy since recovering last year but he was quick to praise friends, family and his beloved Sky Blues for their messages of support and help during what has been a difficult period.
Former Sky Blues boss Steven Pressley recorded a message which was played to Guy in front of his family and friends in hospital while several first team stars at the time, including former fan favourite Carl Baker, who remains a close friend, also sent their support along with thousands of fans.
“The support I got was amazing and really helped in my recovery,” Guy added.
“It was very touching to discover that Steven Presley had taken the time to record a message for me, and that was made better still when he realised I was at a game and asked me to wait so he could come and see me.
“I have made a good recovery from my accident, but it has been a long road. I have undergone intensive rehabilitation to build my strength, which has taken over a year.
“I was determined to run again, and in late August I started to run again, with the aim of running the London Marathon.
“I would like to add my thanks to the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance, the staff who cared for me at UHCW and Spencer Brown and his team at Peak Performance in Rugby.”
If you have been touched by Guy’s story and wish to donate to help him reach his £2,000 target, search Guy Watt at uk.virginmoneygiving.com
Inset – Guy Watt pictured with his daughter. (s)
