Young footballer who lost both his legs in horrific car crash speaks for first time

Adam Golebiewski, 18, was travelling home from a night out with pals when the group were involved in a one-vehicle collision in Macduff, Aberdeenshire, in September

A promising young footballer who lost his legs in a horrific car accident has opened up about his harrowing experience for the first time.

Adam Golebiewski, from Banff, Aberdeenshire, was on his way back from an evening out with friends on September 8 when they were involved in a single-vehicle crash in Macduff. The 18-year-old, once a talented goalkeeper for local team Deveronside JFC, was taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary where doctors informed him his injuries were so catastrophic, amputation of both legs was necessary.

From his hospital bed, Adam shared his overwhelming sense of gratitude for being alive. He told the Daily Record: "When I woke up after the crash they told me I was in hospital in Aberdeen and I had been in an accident.

"Then I got taken to theatre. When I woke up in recovery, my consultant told me what had happened and said they had to take off both my legs. The only word I can use to describe how I felt is thankful. Thankful I was still here, thankful that I was alive - and also thankful I couldn't remember what had happened."

Adam's father, Adam Snr, also spoke about the chilling phone call he received, which he described as "every parents worst nightmare" as he was informed of his son's condition. The 45-year-old recalled: "Adam had a game on the day of the crash and he had made a perfect save, so they wanted to hang out later to celebrate. We got the call at 6.20am the following morning. He told he had been in an accident and he was about to go to theatre and expected to lose his legs. He was so apologetic and calm on the phone, even in spite of what he was telling us."

"Then the nurse took the phone off him and said told us to get there as soon as we could. By the time we got there, he was already in surgery. It lasted around six hours and then it took him a while to come round, but the amputation on his right-hand side didn't go to plan so they have had to revisit it twice."

"I was trying to stay positive for him and that was easier when he was awake because of his positive attitude, but whenever he fell asleep, I cried. I just keep thinking about the future he could have had. He loved football. He was even scouted by ex Celtic goalkeeper Lukasz Zauska last year.

"Adam has joint Polish nationality and Zauska had a team over there for him in mind because of his potential. It's heartbreaking knowing my son has lost this opportunity because he worked so hard. Football was his life and seeing how much this accident has taken from him is devastating."

Adam has since undergone three major surgeries and has been transferred to Woodend Hospital for rehab. His mum Joanne, 47, makes a two-hour trip twice a day to stay with her son. Adam Snr is focusing on adapting the family home to make it accessible for Adam which includes fitting a shower room and stair lift.

He added: "Adam has taken on his recovery well. He is going to the gym three times a day to build up his upper body strength but it's hard for him because he won't be able to get fitted with prosthetic legs for a few months and he just wants to get up and get on with it."

Despite the devastating blow, Adam, an apprentice builder before the accident, has stayed upbeat and become a pillar of strength for his family. Reflecting on the life-altering event while celebrating his 18th birthday in hospital, Adam shared: "There is nothing I can do about it now, but if I put the hard work in I will get up on my new legs."

"I'm not sure what the future holds for my job or for playing sport, but I just want to prove that my life will go on. It may have to take a few different roads, but nothing is going to stop me." Adam's best mate Curtis West, also 18, sustained a back injury in the crash, while another 18 year old girl and a 19 year old lad were also rushed to hospital. The police are still investigating the crash.

At the time, officers reported: "Around 3am on Sunday, 8 September, 2024, officers were called to a report of a one car crash in Union Road, Macduff. Emergency services attended and three men aged 17,18 and 19 and an 18-year-old woman were taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary for treatment. The 18-year-old man has since been released from hospital, whilst the injuries of the others are described as serious, but not life-threatening. Enquiries remain ongoing and anyone who witnessed the crash or has any information is urged to contact police on 101, quoting incident 0609 of 8 September, 2024."