A young law student from Cardiff is bravely recounting his journey to reclaim his Welsh language skills following a traumatic car accident that left him concussed and struggling to communicate. Ellis Pears, 19, experienced a dramatic shift in his life when the incident occurred in November 2024, just as he was beginning his university experience at Aberystwyth University in Ceredigion.
The Incident That Changed Everything
Ellis was driving along a rural road when a 4×4 vehicle unexpectedly veered into his lane, forcing him to swerve off the road. The impact caused his car to flip, resulting in a concussion. “I was shouting and shouting but there wasn’t a house for two miles either way,” he recalled, emphasising the isolation he felt in that moment. In an impressive display of quick thinking, he used the what3words geolocation app to alert the police to his location—an action he credits with potentially saving his life.
Despite sustaining only a cut on his head from shattered glass, Ellis was taken to Bronglais Hospital for further evaluation, where he underwent a series of CT and MRI scans, as well as tests on his heart, blood, and bones. However, the physical injuries paled in comparison to the linguistic challenges that lay ahead.
Struggles with Language and Isolation
A few days post-accident, Ellis began to realise his once-fluent Welsh was slipping away. Having attended Welsh-medium schools from nursery, the sudden inability to communicate effectively in his native language left him feeling disconnected and isolated from his peers. “I went from being able to do university essays on human rights laws to not being able to build a Lego set,” he expressed, highlighting the stark contrast in his cognitive abilities.
The situation was exacerbated by the fact that a significant portion of his university modules were conducted in Welsh, making it increasingly difficult for him to participate in class discussions. “I stayed in my room and didn’t go to lectures for four weeks after my language got worse,” he admitted, conveying the emotional toll the experience took on him. The pressure of being surrounded by friends who communicated fluently in Welsh only intensified his feelings of inadequacy, leading to nightly nightmares and panic attacks.
Steps Towards Recovery
By June 2025, Ellis began to notice a gradual improvement in both his mood and language proficiency. Remarkably, he managed to secure a third in some of his university modules, a reassuring sign that his academic future remained intact. While he still perceived his comprehension as slightly sluggish, he expressed gratitude for the progress he had made. “My flashbacks reduced to about once a week, and my Welsh has now gone back to normal,” he stated, reflecting on his resilience.
Ellis credits his recovery not only to time and support from friends and family but also to a newfound perspective on life. “Going home and spending time with family have become much more important to me,” he revealed, as he endeavours to strike a balance between his academic pursuits and personal well-being.
The Importance of Safety Apps
In light of his experience, Ellis is keen to advocate for road safety and the importance of technology in emergencies. He urges other drivers to download the what3words app, which proved instrumental in his rescue. “It completely saved my life,” he reiterated, highlighting the app’s potential to assist others in similar situations.
Why it Matters
Ellis Pears’ story serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the profound impact that accidents can have on our everyday abilities. His experience underscores the necessity of prioritising road safety and the potential life-saving benefits of modern technology. As he continues to navigate his recovery, Ellis highlights the importance of community support and personal resilience in overcoming adversity. His journey not only sheds light on the challenges faced by those who suffer traumatic injuries but also inspires hope for others in similar circumstances.
