A MAN who spent 15 years in hospitals and rehabilitation centres after suffering brain damage in an accident has been rewarded for his courage.

Karl Swain, who lives with his parents in Great Harwood, was given a lifetime achievement certificate by the national brain injury charity Headway, when he was invited to their annual lunch.

And 25-year-old Karl said the award was almost as much of an honour as carrying the Commonwealth baton through Blackburn in 2002.

Karl's father Leslie said the award was very special, adding: "We feel tremendous".

Karl was just nine when he fell 30ft through the roof of an empty factory in Hull. The fall left him with a fractured skull and collarbone, and put him in a coma for 25 days.

As a result of his injuries, Karl suffered violent mood swings, and spent the next 15 years in hospital care.

Leslie added: "Part of the problem with brain injuries is the symptoms can look like mental illness.

"Karl spent a long time in psychiatric wards, where he didn't get the right treatment."

Headway provides information and support for victims of brain injury and their carers.

Karl has been involved with the Blackburn and Darwen branch since it began work seven months ago, and in July he cut the cake at the charity's 25th birthday party in Cheltenham.

Michael Jefferies, a partner in Jeffries and Partner Solicitors, who funded Karl's trip to collect his award, said: "We're very proud to be supporting Headway. People with head injuries and their carers have a lifetime of difficulties, and Headway really improves their quality of life."

The Headway certificate recognises the enormous hard work and determination Karl and his family have shown in coping with the effects of his injuries.