1 Jul 2026
In 2023, 27-year-old Jason Ellis was a model, working with fashion brands including Balmain, Moschino, Emporio Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, Issey Miyake and Les Hommes. Alongside his modelling career, Jason was also working as a chef at Soho House.
But one day in late February, a motorbike incident changed his life.
Jason was riding his bike in Enfield when he was involved in a high impact collision with a car. He was thrown off his bike, up into the air and landed on the road with a very heavy impact.
Jason was knocked unconscious, which triggered the dispatch of London’s Air Ambulance's team, in addition to London Ambulance Service (LAS) paramedics.
On our arrival, Jason was already being treated by LAS and was severely agitated, which is a red flag for a severe traumatic brain injury. He also had a suspected severe fracture to his right arm.
The team sedated Jason to stop the agitation, performed a general anaesthetic and connected him to a breathing machine. A general anaesthetic is something only our team can provide on scene in London.
The team then made a pre-alert call to the nearest major trauma centre to prepare them for his arrival. Jason was taken there by air.
In hospital, after CT imaging, it was confirmed that Jason had sustained a severe traumatic brain injury. Initially, a probe to monitor the pressure in his brain was inserted and he was kept in the induced coma. Despite medical measures to try and control the pressure, Jason required surgery a few days later to remove the clot that had formed between his brain and skull.
Jason remained in a coma for a month and when he began coming back to consciousness, he was confused and foggy. He couldn’t understand time and wasn’t recognising his family members, he was scared and unable to compute why he was in hospital and what had happened. He was unable to speak or walk.
Jason underwent various procedures to repair his shattered elbow and after months in hospital began two months of neuro rehabilitation.
“When I first got there, I wasn’t in a good place at all,” said Jason. “I was dealing with stress, pain, depression and overthinking, and I felt very overwhelmed.
“There was a lot going on with my family at that time too, but really it was because they didn’t want to lose me.”
Jason spent time and effort relearning tasks, regaining control and remembering more of who he was. He didn’t give up and worked hard at every activity that was put in front of him.
“I started getting myself back together and the various rehabilitation activities that were put on for us were amazing – we all found it possible to be positive.
“That’s when I realised, no matter what state you’re in, your spirit is still there.”
Jason was eventually discharged home, to live with his dad, but the toll of returning to life as it had been before was hard. He was still suffering with headaches, daily pain and fatigue, and the mental toll was overwhelming. Jason struggled with anxiety and turned to drugs and alcohol.
“I tried to use that to cope with everything that was going on in my head. But it didn’t work and deep down I knew things could be better and that I could find my way through.”
And find his way through, he did. Now, three years on, he’s healthy, strong and stable. He still lives with cognitive difficulties, headaches, fatigue, tinnitus and arthritis, but is focused on continuing to rebuild himself. He is sober and happy.
“Since my incident, I have found my faith again, I was recently confirmed at my church,” said Jason, “and so I am focused on giving back and being thankful.
“A special moment I now love to do is spend my time volunteering; cooking for our community.”
Jason is also enjoying spending time with his girlfriend and family, and is currently expecting a baby, due in 2027.
“London’s Air Ambulance team played a huge part in saving my life. They gave me a second chance at life. We feel so blessed. Without them on that day, I wouldn’t be here today.”
Jason is also focused on helping others, offering advice to anyone who may sadly be at the beginning of their recovery:
“To someone else, I say do as much activity as you can, embrace rehab. But also speak to people, speak to as many people as you can – don’t run away.
“The people around you are the best support.”