Lawson Smith was an intelligent, charismatic, 20-year-old with a promising future until a skateboarding accident left him with a traumatic brain injury.

Dearly loved by friends and family for his generous heart and engaging humour, Lawson and his twin brother are the youngest of four adventurous boys in the Davies-Smith family.

Lawson was living independently after graduating from Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School whilst studying Marine Biology and Geology at the University of Western Australia, Perth. He was passionate about marine conservation with noble ambitions to help save the planet. Lawson had direct debit donations from his study allowance to Australian Marine Conservation Society, and Sea Shepherd Australia; he also loved underwater photography and was keen to expand his ocean diving qualifications.

That is, until a skateboarding accident left him unresponsive during a family gathering on Christmas Day, 2012.

Lawson was not expected to survive his injuries. He experienced a rollercoaster of brain surgeries and life-threatening complications over many months before Royal Perth Hospital considered him stable for discharge.

Lawson’s family hoped the next stage of treatment would occur at Shenton Park Hospital but Western Australia’s State Rehabilitation Service refused his admission - Lawson was unresponsive.

When his transfer to an aged-care facility was put forward, Lawson's family made the alternate decision to bring him home. His parents were trained in manual handling and hoisting, pressure and wound care, managing medications, peg feeding, and personal care. Lawson transferred to Bunbury Regional Hospital whilst transitioning from the hospital system to round-the-clock care at home.

A week later as he lay comatose in BRH, Lawson’s mother asked if he could hear her voice. Until then it was not known if he was able to see, hear, or comprehend. She asked Lawson to demonstrate that he understood her question by moving towards her voice. Time stood still in that unforgettable moment as Lawson slowly rolled his head in her direction.

Lawson was still here!

The following week, unable to move his limbs, eat or drink by mouth, speak, or visually track with his eyes, Lawson returned home to rehabilitate with his family.

May 29, 2013.

"With infinite love and gratitude"  Lawson Smith