Family’s bike law campaign
Support urged after accident
The family of an east Perthshire teen who suffered serious head injuries in a bike crash is campaigning for helmets to be made compulsory by law.
Keiran Lamond (15), from Blairgowrie, fractured his skull after hitting a lamppost near his Blackthorn Place home in October.
He was not wearing a helmet at the time and a bystander swiftly intervened, giving Keiran first aid until an ambulance arrived.
He underwent an MRI scan at Ninewells Hospital which revealed he had a bleed on his brain and had to undergo a four-hour emergency operation.
After the procedure his family was told to prepare for the worst.
But the Blairgowrie High School pupil has since received around-theclock care which has seen his condition gradually improve.
His family was told that although there were no signs of paralysis, he will suffer some form of brain damage.
Keiran’s rehabilitation programme includes physiotherapy and speech therapy and, thanks to that hard work, he has regained the ability to talk again.
He continues to make huge strides towards recovery after undergoing daily physio sessions at Ninewells.
His family believes his injuries would have been less severe if he had been wearing a helmet and say ‘Keiran’s Law’ would prevent other families from going through the same heartache.
They have called on the public to get behind their efforts by signing their petition which is available on the 38 Degrees website.
“I want helmets to become law,” said stepmum Nicola.
“Making helmets law will save so many people having to go through what we have had to go through, or having to lose someone they love because they didn’t think a helmet was cool or they didn’t think it would happen to them. “Let’s make this law.”
Its launch comes as Keiran’s younger sisters Holly (10), Jessica (8) and Arianna (4) plan a sponsored walk on June 19 to help raise the funds needed for his ongoing recovery.
Kieran continues to receive care at Ninewells Hospital while awaiting surgery for a new plate after the last one failed.
Locals can also get involved and show their support for the injured teenager, who is a massive St Johnstone fan.
Participants are invited to wear Saints colours on the day, in a nod to Keiran’s passion for football.
Nicola said: “Due to his injuries, Keiran is going to need lifelong care.
“These funds will be for his benefit and to help ease the burden on his family.
“Keiran’s sisters Holly, Jessica and Arianna will be taking part – he is super proud of his sisters and always has been.”
Keiran’s recovery is being documented on the Facebook page ‘Keiran’s Journey’ and the walk was organised by one of the page’s supporters.
“A huge thank you to Rosie, one of Keiran’s followers, for organising the walk,” Nicola said.
And Saints fan Kieran was overjoyed last week after he received a personal video message from midfield star Liam Craig, who also gifted the teenager the strip he wore when his team beat Rangers in the Scottish Cup in April.
To sign the petition go to the 38 Degrees web page at https://bit. ly/3iwxGFu
Making helmets law will save so many people having to go through what we have had to go through Stepmum Nicola