Former patient completes rowing fundraising challenge after surviving serious accident
A father who lost his young son in a road accident - and suffered life-changing injuries himself - has taken on a sponsored rowing challenge to raise money for the hospital that cared for him and his family.
In June 2023 Henry Cobbe was involved in a serious road traffic collision. He was airlifted to University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust (UHS) for emergency treatment. Henry’s youngest son Charles tragically died at the scene.
Henry sustained multiple severe injuries, including fractures to his leg, knee, forearm, elbow, shoulder and ribs.
To mark the third anniversary of the accident, Henry undertook a 10,000 metre rowing machine challenge in the main entrance of Southampton General Hospital, raising funds for Southampton Hospitals Charity. In an incredible achievement, he completed the challenge in 45 minutes and 59 seconds, beating his previous post-surgery record and demonstrating just how far he has come in his recovery journey.
During his recovery Henry was supported by a wide range of teams across UHS, including trauma specialists, theatre staff, radiology, physiotherapy, counselling services, catering teams and patient transport.
Motivated by the kindness, professionalism and care shown by staff throughout, Henry wanted to show his thanks and appreciation for the care shown to him and his family. Through his fundraising efforts, he hopes to support the charity in providing resources beyond NHS funding, helping UHS teams continue to go above and beyond for patients and families facing the most challenging circumstances.
Henry said: “I took on this challenge as a heartfelt thank you to the incredible teams at UHS who cared for me after the tragic, life‑changing accident. When I was discharged to transfer to another hospital closer to home for rehabilitation, I asked how I could say thank you, and the team who looked after me on F ward jokingly said ‘just walk-in and visit us one day.’ At the time the idea of walking again was very far away, and we all laughed.
“About a year later, as soon as I could walk unaided, I returned to see them and walked in with a large supply of Irish fudge for everyone working on F ward. But I knew that alone wasn’t enough. On my way out, I stopped at the Southampton Hospitals Charity office to find out how I could do more. That moment led me to taking on this challenge and the previous cycle challenge that I completed for the charity back in 2024.
“I want to thank everyone at UHS who cared for me, and to support the vital work they continue to do for so many others. Through the charity I can help give something back. I am very grateful to everyone who has so kindly donated to support this event.”
Matthew Woods, physiotherapist at UHS, said: “When I saw Henry leave our general intensive care unit, despite our best efforts, his mobility was limited. The dedication he’s shown to his rehab has really paid off.
“It was fantastic to see him back taking part in the rowing challenge with such determination. His journey to recovery has truly been inspiring.”
Southampton Hospitals Charity supports projects and services across UHS that enhance patient care and staff wellbeing, ensuring people receive the best possible experience during their time in hospital.
Ellis Banfield, Chief Executive, Southampton Hospitals Charity, said: "We feel privileged to be able to support Henry's latest fundraising efforts in support of Southampton Hospitals Charity. We are incredibly grateful for the money Henry has raised that has enabled us to fund projects and resources that go above and beyond NHS provision.
“Henry's determination to do something on the anniversary of his heartbreaking accident is an inspiration for us to ensure that we are able to make a difference for all patients and their families."
This fundraiser stands as a tribute to his youngest son Charles and a gesture of gratitude to the teams who helped save and rebuild Henry’s life.
