Bristol Uni student graduates 16 years after devastating teenage motorbiking accident

A University of Bristol student has graduated 16 years after a life-altering motorbiking accident.

In October 2009, Paul Edwards’ life was forever changed after a car collided with his motorbike at 30mph.

However, on Tuesday 8th July 2025, he received his medical degree from the University of Bristol.

“Who knows, maybe the accident was part of a bigger plan – directing me to a path of becoming a doctor,” Paul said. “I want to let people know that anything is possible if you are determined enough. It’s never too late, and Bristol is a great place to be.”

The life-changing accident occurred when he was just 17 years old, studying for his A-Levels.

The car, having overrun a junction at speed, left him battling critical injuries: multiple fractures in the neck and back, two broken thighs, a lacerated liver, and trauma to the head.

In the aftermath of his accident, Paul was dependent on opioid medication for pain relief. Living with complex regional pain syndrome, self-described as “endless and debilitating”, made completing his A-Levels nearly impossible.

In 2014, five years on from the accident, Paul made the difficult decision to wean himself off opioids. “I remember my GP saying, ‘You can either stay on these drugs and be stuck here, or come off them and find out what life might still offer you’.”

Paul took this opportunity to enrol in an Access to Higher Education course at City of Bristol College.

In 2017, following his successful completion of three A-Level equivalents, Paul began studying for a degree in neuroscience. He learnt to co-exist with his pain, describing it as a constant “four or five out of 10”.

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During the Covid-19 pandemic, he was inspired by the struggle, hard work, and bravery demonstrated by NHS staff. He said: “My sister is a paramedic, and my GP and consultants were so amazingly supportive during my recovery from my accident. I realised I wanted to help. I wanted to give back.”

Paul decided to switch to the medicine course at Bristol, commencing in September 2020.

Throughout his degree, Paul describes using exercise as an outlet, most recently completing the 2025 Bristol Triathlon.

“I use over-the-counter painkillers to treat the pain, and I do lots of activities, including endurance running and triathlons. I know I’ll be in pain anyway, but I would rather be active and in pain than sedentary and still in pain,” Paul explained.

The graduate also thanked the Disability Support Team for making the campus welcoming, with access to on-site parking, lifts, and extra time in assessments.

“I owe the university a lot regarding my success,” Paul said.

“I have been incredibly well supported, and I really appreciate everything the staff have done for me. They really help you achieve the absolute best you can be. I count myself lucky to have met so many wonderful people along the way, who are now absolute friends for life.”

Paul chose to specialise in anaesthetics during his elective study period. Describing the joy of working closely with patients, he noted: “You’re the last person someone sees before surgery, and the first one they see after. It’s an incredible responsibility.”

Professor Chrissie Thirlwell, Head of Bristol Medical School at the University of Bristol, said: “Paul’s had to overcome so much in his life to get where he is today. Despite these challenges, he has never given up. His sheer determination, resilience, and dedication are truly inspirational. It is wonderful to see him graduate today. We are so proud of him and know he will make a brilliant doctor.”

Soon, he will begin foundation doctor training with the Isle of Wight NHS Trust.

Featured image via the University of Bristol