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Ellis Pears, a 19-year-old law student at Aberystwyth University, experienced a dramatic change in his life following a car accident in November 2024. Until then, Ellis had been fluent in Welsh, having attended Welsh-medium education from nursery onwards. However, after the crash, which left him concussed, he found himself unable to speak or understand the language as he once did. The incident not only affected his speech but also triggered flashbacks, anxiety, and brain fog, making daily life and studies increasingly difficult.
The accident occurred while Ellis was driving on a country road near Aberystwyth when a 4×4 vehicle crossed into his lane. To avoid a collision, Ellis swerved off the road, causing his car to flip and spin multiple times before hitting an embankment. Although he only sustained a cut on the back of his head from shattered glass, Ellis immediately went to Bronglais Hospital for examinations, including CT and MRI scans, as well as tests on his heart, blood, and bones. He credits the remoteness of the crash site for saving his life, as it meant he was found relatively quickly despite being far from any houses or road signs.
A few days after the accident, Ellis noticed that his Welsh language skills had deteriorated significantly. This was particularly distressing because a considerable portion of his university coursework is conducted in Welsh, making communication and comprehension crucial. He described a moment when he could not follow a university lecture and struggled to compose an email in Welsh. The situation left him feeling isolated, especially since his friends and housemates spoke Welsh regularly, which intensified his anxiety and panic attacks. During the most difficult period, Ellis withdrew completely, avoiding lectures for about four weeks and staying confined to his room.
By June 2025, Ellis reported a marked improvement in both his mood and Welsh language abilities. Although he earned a third-class grade in some university modules, he was reassured that this would not heavily impact his overall degree. His language skills returned to normal, with only a slight slowdown in comprehension remaining. The experience prompted Ellis to reassess his life priorities, placing greater value on spending time with family and finding a better balance between work and personal life
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