A year and a half after his accident during the test day for the 2012 Le Mans 24 Hours, Guillaume found himself back in the Angers Hospital Centre for another operation by Doctor Lucas and the centre’s medical team. It was another step in his recovery as the material that helped to maintain his vertebrae during the consolidation phase was removed. The operation was successful although Guillaume now needs to rest so that healing can take place, and he will be able to start physical fitness training in January.
After the long months of work and reeducation this step concluded the phase of healing the bone tissue. Concerning the damage to the spinal cord, the growth of the nerve endings could go on for another two years, so not until then will it be possible to draw a definite conclusion.
In the meantime, the Frenchman has taken advantage of his time and his trying personal experience to deal with a wider and more sensitive issue – insurance and protection planning in motor sport. He has set up RACECARE with his insurer Franck Bayle, an insurance broking company in Limoges. He is very interested in this project while he waits to return to the cockpit, a goal on which he has set his sights. Guillaume and OAK Racing still enjoy strong and privileged links.
Finally, as a result of this harrowing experience and thanks to his winning temperament, Guillaume has been chosen by the Brain and Spine Institute as ambassador of the local branch in the Limousin department, and he hopes to help them raise funds.
Doctor Olivier Lucas, Angers University Hospital Centre:
“The evolution of the consolidation of the fracture has been very positive. The control scan of the first operation carried out a year ago told us that we could remove the material, which held the fractured vertebra in place, in complete safety. The aftermath of the operation was very favourable despite considerable pain linked to Guillaume’s muscle structure, the result of his stature as a top-class sportsman. The X-rays taken after the operation show that the removal of the material didn’t cause any displacement, so Guillaume will be able to resume his top-level training programme after a check-up that I’ll carry out in six weeks. I’m going to continue following him and the evolution of his recovery concerning his nerves.”
Guillaume Moreau:
“The operation went off well. The muscles had to be moved to reach the material, and as I built up a lot of muscle over the last year, which helped me to do a lot of things, waking up was more painful than I expected.
“I’m relieved taking into account the seriousness of my accident to have made a great recovery in terms of bone damage. Concerning the nerve endings I know there’s still a long way to go until they start to grow again, but the final operation is a big weight off my mind. A page has been turned.
“I’d like to thank the Angers CDU, all the staff in Doctor Lucas’s service, the physiotherapists and the nurses for their precious help, and in particular the doctor himself. I hope I’ll be back to see them as little as possible!”
* www.racecare.fr