Hammond must be built differently ok he is basically a gold fish with brain Damage from all the serious crashes I guess not everything is scripted but Hammond is crazy tho you got to admit tha without Hammond to cause trouble it wouldn't be the same without the team
Yes, the English and the stiff upper lip....I think for his life "the tree was the tree of Life".....his dear wife "it seems" knew he wasn't ready for it (none of us really are)......I think he would have died if he reached the tree!
I yelled to my grandmother when she was in a coma. I knew the last sense to leave someone is thier hearing. I held her hand, then yelled to her to squeeze my hand if she could hear me.. she squeezed gently. I told her we loved her and that we would see her again.. she squeezed again. That was 30 years ago but feels like last week. I miss that kind old woman. 😊
I think we can all agree Hammond is one of the luckiest men in the world. Not just because he survived, but because he found someone who loved him so much that they wanted to be by his side until the very end.
@@Bristecom I have bad news for you, husbands leave wives who get a cancer diagnosis at 6x the rate wives leave husbands who get a cancer diagnosis. Men do not stay with sick women. "The study confirmed earlier research of a divorce or separation rate among cancer patients of 11.6 percent, similar to the general population, but found the rate jumped to 20.8 percent when the woman was sick versus 2.9 percent when the man was ill."
Hammond really had a protagonist moment. It was like he had he choice to remain in his happy place forever, or return to Mindy and his other loved ones. She really called him back from the dead with their bond.
My wife passed two weeks ago. We played her playlist of her favorite songs while we sat with her. This is the best thing I've seen on social media in a very long time. Thank you Mr. Hammond.
Jesus this made me cry unexpectedly. I hope all is well with you and your family. Loss cuts so deep but most of us heal, even if the scar remains forever.
I like to think that people who are transitioning between life and death do experience a joyful and peaceful place and then whatever happens to their life energy is just transformed into something else. Death is part of the cycle of life. Embrace it and don't fear it.
"I know it's where I'll go" is such a comforting message. The idea that people who may be dying or in an induced coma like Hammond was can have solace and comfort in their last moments, enjoying a place they love and remember happily. It makes the idea of someone's most painful physical point much easier, because it could be leading to such mental peace for them. Idk, this just makes me emotional.
@humbertovargas1211Chill brother. I don’t think this person is thinking of ending it all, just that they themselves may get that feeling of being comforted in their dying days, when their time comes, even for a short while. 🙏
Think we all need to give Mindy a huge round of applause. No one can comprehend what she must’ve gone through and its not appreciated enough what she has potentially saved. Thank you Mindy, from the bottom of our hearts. You are a true hero.
His telling of the story, strangely doesn't give his wife enough credit. He mentions the importance of being grounded and connected to a place, but not the importance of being connected to family and loved ones.
@@rokko_fable it's his story not yours. It's not your place to try and dictate how he tells his own story. He mentioned his wife and his experience exactly as much as he felt to.
Crazy to think about what really goes through in the minds of coma patients. Glad that Hammond survived his and was able to give his story of what happened.
It's almost humbling to think that there are many comatose patients who didn't survive who would have probably had the most incredible stories to tell about their experience. I'm glad there are people on here who choose to do so though ☺️
Coma patients experience the exactly same thing we do every single night - dream! Vivid and clear dreams can be achieved even without some kind of brain damage or drugs, you just need a lot of time and practice (well... some people are lucky enough that they dont have to, but its a minority) to be able to lucid dream, but its possible! It is easier for coma patients to achieve this state. Their brain is going through cycles like it does everyday - so there is a "deep sleep", "shallow sleep" and in between is a state, when patients brain is not fully asleep, yet not fully awake because of damage or drugs. When brain doesnt recieve visual input it makes it on its own. And you can try it yourself tonight! Just lie like you would go to sleep, dont move and focus just on the darkness in front of your closed eyes. After a while you will see somethins happening! Its called hypnagogia, and its just a step away from the lucid dream!
Before my nan passed away, she told my dad, "I feel like I'm out at sea, and I cant get back to shore". This was a brilliant woman, who had started lose her marbles one could say in the later years of her life, and for her to say something so poignant out of the blue, really made an impact on all of us. She fought to stay alive for a few more days, but passed away peaceful. I like to think she just accepted being out at sea and found some kind of happiness being out there. Much love Richard, it wasn't your time.
Chemicals/drugs that give you an euphoric feeling. Dad after a brain/back injury also had vivid dreams, but he also repeated himself several time. So your mind try to comprehend with trama goes back to a found memory or some type of memory where you feel safe. The brain truly is amazing thing
I came across this video the day after my sister succumbed to emphysema. She had been sedated and on a ventilator for several days with no improvement, so yesterday she was taken off the ventilator and allowed to pass peacefully. She loved the outdoors and hiking, and hearing Richard speak of his experience while he was unconscious gives me hope that her last days were spent in her mind somewhere beautiful. Thank you Richard Hammond for this, and for all of the hours of entertainment you’ve given us over the years. RIP Jen.
this made me cry. as a brain injury survivor that was in a coma i had a very similar experience of a very vivid dream of being in my most favorite place. and the overwhelming feeling of being in trouble and not knowing why. i remember being in an old growth forest on vancouver island. and walking to a bridge. and the feeling of being in BIG TROUBLE if i crossed that bridge was intense. my ex wife was by my side through the whole thing. and its hard to explain.. but i just knew.
@@saagabragi6938 I wouldn't be surprised if it is! Richard has spoken about his conversations with other brain injury patients, and even though each case is unique, there are a LOT of similarities between symptoms and recovery.
This is probably one of the most honest, heart-felt, touching and purest videos I have ever seen. Its loaded with the most comforting of messages, whilst also being delivered with that same, and very subtle (and calming), tone that Hammond has. It is beyond special, and I feel this is one of Hammond's highlights of his entire career. I salute you!
This is Hammonds "version" of what Clarkson has with his porche story, yes i think we all know _that_ porche story. These Men are somewhat treasures of our lifetime. The storys and the beautifull skill of telling them, give us these enormous feelings.. I feel really blessed to be in this time when all of these TG group stuff happened. What a chaps.
13 years ago my mum fell into a diabetic coma for almost two months, I’d wait by her bedside every day wondering if she could hear us or what she was thinking, it’s relieving to know she probably was conscious of our presence and could’ve been reliving the best memories in her head before she passed ❤️
My mom just passed. Before that she was in a coma… but she did wake up and after while gained back speech to tell us about her experience. She knew when we were there and I guarantee you that your time spent with your mum was well spent ❤
Sounds like he's made his peace with dying. He went up to the brink, looked over, and saw it wasn't anything to be afraid of. As a veteran who's had his share of near-death experiences, I can relate. i don't fear death, I just see it as the next step.
My dad lost his leg and was in a coma for something like 4-6 weeks. He recalled a very similar story except at the end he spoke to a bear (he was known as the bear in his town and had a tattoo of one on his shoulder) who asked him if he was ready to be judged. My dad hadn’t lived the best life especially with me and my sister who he rarely spoke too and or made bad decisions around. He pleaded and begged the bear if he could go back and make it right and said he would give up everything he was doing wrong. He also mentioned he would be judged based off his actions to that moment but before he died he wanted to have a chance to make things right for me and my sister. The bear told him he would grant him a chance to make things right and for his wrong doings to that point he would have to sacrifice something and he wouldn’t find out till he was back. He agreed and the bear told him he wouldn’t have another chance like this. And vanished at which point my father woke up and was completely different person from that day forward. I hope if I am ever at a point of near death my father is my guide.
@@erikvalkman9640 thanks!! I was told when I was kid didn’t really believe it until I realized that it was an actual thing that happens to people in near death.
I recently had to let my old man go after suffering a cardiac arrest and being in a coma for 4 days. Richard you have really eased my pain knowing my dad too would have been in his happy place, unaware of the reality his body was going through. You’ve made my day mate.
@@DangerZone200 obviously the doctors would have done all there check the likelihood of brain damage after cardiac arrest is quite high especially if you don’t get the heart beating within the first minute. Your comment is insensitive by any means coming to the decision the let the man that raised you go is beyond tough most of the time the right decision no matter how upsetting it may be
I met Richard Hammond at the Classic Motor Show in Birmingham, such a genuinely decent person, honoured to have been among so many people asking for autographs and pictures, and when I thanked him for the years of entertainment and the smiles he put on mine and my family’s faces, he simply said, the pleasure was all his. That speaks volumes, we’re all so happy to still have you around, Richard.
this was an amazing story too.. it humanized him and that struggle / wreck and his family so much beyond "bad hurt, but he got better". His wife is amazing!
@@a.s.h.5774 If you haven't read it, you should find "Beyond the Edge". It was mostly written by Mindy, but it shows just how strong and powerful she really is.
A fine piece of film. I too sustained a serious brain injury, fell into a coma while in the hospital and came close to death. My morphine-induced experience was chaotic rather than poetic like Richard's. At one point I floated in the clouds with gladiators and cherubs. Later on I drifted like a ghost through strangely empty wards, repairing any broken beds, before escaping the hospital via underground tunnels which led me out into the Scottish countryside. Finally I took to Baking bread in the (deserted) hospital kitchen, and when I woke up after what turned out to be several days of unconsciousness was heard to mumble, "Where's the bread I baked?"
My close friend was hit by a suv while we were riding bikes. He was broken everywhere on the body, spine,legs,face, ribs,collapsed lungs, internal bleeding, compartment syndrome in leg, massive head trauma. He was in a coma in the ICU. His family let me visit and they were all whispering when talking so I just blurted his name out real loud and said "hey Jason, it's Brett" he immediately awakened. His mom almost passed out and everyone was kinda freaking out. He looked at me and moved his hand to ask me what happened. He went on to recover and is now a tenured professor. Of course that doesn't always work but it did for him.
I know it isn’t really comparable to the rest, but I think this is the most beautiful and artistic piece of media Richard Hammond has ever done. Thank you for this, man. I hope, in everyone’s darkest hour, they have someone to lead them home.
my father passed this week and this video moved me to tears. His death was unexpected, and he went in his sleep, he was only 62 years old. I hope my father had a tree of his own to bring him peace when crossing over to whatever comes after this life.
I have been in a medically-induced coma so this really does strike a chord. The dreams really are incredibly vivid and unlike anything I've experienced before or since. They started off really bad, dreams where I was being tortured or hunted, including by nurses. Dreams where I was trapped underground or unable to escape, even one was I buried alive, throughout I was always thirsty - reflecting real thirst as I was intubated. All these dreams would eventually, and somewhat miraculously, end up with my safety realised once I was back with my parents. However, I had to fight, I had to escape, I had to resist whatever appalling thing was happening in order for that to happen. Eventually, these dreams started to get better, indeed, nearly perfect. The perfect Christmas, the perfect holiday, everything was warm, cosy, safe and bountiful. I had all that I wanted. The complete opposite of the nightmares. However, even though these dreams were verging on perfection, at one point, I became aware, that, nice those dreams were, they were not real. I became aware of a password I could use to get out and I used it. I cannot remember any dreams after that. So, if you're ever in the terrible situation Mindy was, or my parents were, and I hope with all my heart that you never are, my advice would be this: Keep talking to them, tell them where they are and what's happening. I genuinely believe I must have been aware of my parents' constant presence and it may even have saved my life. I believe my psyche was fighting for my life and the will to fight meant that I did live. My parents did not allow me to give up and that may be why I am here. Maybe Mindy shouting at Richard, was exactly the same. I see a lot of parallels.
What a story! Thanks for sharing! I have those dreams too that I'm hunted, chased, tortured etc. With the escape situation. I never get killed in the dreams but.. I don't like having them. I don't think I ever had happy warm and calm dreams
Absolutely incredible story. To have a family like yours and Richards is all I can hope for with anybody who may have to go through this. And though I've fortunately never been through this, I second the notion that I sincerely hope that nobody reading this (or at all, but that's impossible) has to experience it.
There was a study done on mices ability to survive against terrible and unreal odds and you know what kept thwm holding onto life for waayyy longer then they normally would? Hope. A little hope goes a really long way.
I'm 21 and I genuinely broke down into tears listening to this, I understand it could be seen as weird but Hammond May and Clarkson were immensely influential to me growing up, I'd go through a lot of painful and traumatic experiences be it from school or home issues watching these 3 brought me comfort, As well is me not having friends at the time I did bond with them as much as a lonely kid across the world could, I've never met them and I probably never will but they've done so much for me in the short time I've been on this earth and I'll forever be thankful for that.
You're not on your own Seth. I too grew a huge connection and found comfort in watching the Trio in similar circumstances to what you've described there. Now I'm 27 with 2 kids keeping me busier than I can cope with, but just seeing a glimpse of the trio together gives me a moment of comfort, a moment of calmness where every worry disappears. Not weird at all mate, far from.......
Shoutout to Richard for sharing his personal moment and what he experienced... reliving and remembering stuff like this is really tough. Bless you man, i'm so glad you made it and am living your best life, and Mindy to helping him back! As someone who has dealt with head injuries and neurological things, I'm sitting here crying because it hits pretty close to home
Same here Steph it’s a scary situation but I’m glad you’re ok now all I know from my experience is that it really showed me just how much my true friends meant to me and from now on they’ll always hold a very special place in my heart
Head Injuries are something not to taken lightly. My brother suffered a major one and ended up passing g away 20 yrs later cause of it. Atleast we got 20 more yrs with him which is more than some can say. Anyone who has fought through one has my upmost respect. It isn't easy I know
I can't even type the story without choking up so I'll keep it short. My step dad was in a coma for 28 days. Not a long time. But while he was in his coma he saw many things. He wrote them all down for us, much of it out of any sort of order. Here comes the hard part. Deep breath. He drew my mom a map. They studied it together. And they sealed it in an envelope. My step dad passed in July of 2015 and I promised him that the envelope will be in my mom's hands when she passes away too. He drew her a map to their special place, where they can spend eternity. And I'm thankful to him for giving my mother something to believe in, a reason to keep going and the comfort that she has a place to go when she is done here. Happy Thanksgiving everyone. Happy holidays. Happy Hanukkah. All the other cool holidays I can't spell correctly. Be safe and hug your loved ones just a few extra seconds this year.
Thank you for sharing your story with us. Your step father must have loved your Mum very much and wanted her to find him in the next world! Very fortunate!
In 2021 I spent 6 weeks in the ICU in an induced coma. My body stopped working but my brain did not. Thank you for sharing this. I felt like I was there for a year, and it took me a long time to unpack everything when I awoke. I have very really memories that I know didn't happen involving loss of family. It's taking some work to shed those memories. This time last year I was learning how to stand on my own. Learning how to walk. Now I can jog. Everyone has a story. Thank you for sharing yours.
This is genuinely one of the most beautiful pieces of broadcasting I have ever seen. If you read this, Richard, you're becoming one of the most engaging, authentic and emotionally honest people on telly, internet, whatever. I think this kind of 'content' - being you, telling stories, bringing the viewer on a journey to live through your eyes and feel what was in your heart - is the best 'content' you have ever produced. I really, really hope you do more of it.
Having lost a mate in a car crash pretty recently, this is quite comforting to hear from someone i feel like i've known for a long time even if it's only from the internet and tv. I genuinely do believe there's something afterwards and i'm just waiting to see him again, tell him how much everyone loved him and having a beer with him again....someday.
‘Death is the path to awe’ - we all have someone & somewhere to be after this life. I am sure your friend will stop in now and then. Leave a drink or his favourite things out by the hearth during the Yuletide & await his response.
At 22, i fell into a diabetic coma. Then developed septic shock. I was in a coma on a ventilator for 34 days. I spent 3 months in hospital after that relearning how to be independent. Its.... actually really healing to listen to someone else describe their experience. There are many similarities despite our different situations. Especially about the vivid dreaming and the connection between your loved ones supporting you and talking to you and how it influences the dreams you have. My mom was by my side every day, constantly talking to me. Thank you, this brought me just a bit more peace. Being alive when you certainly should be dead is a feeling that's not easy to cope with.
thank you Mindy for scaring him so much by screaming at him that he stopped the journey around the tree. he gave me so much joy with many journeys he shared with us after that.
For 3 British blokes I’ve never met in person it’s astonishing how much I care about them. From being a young teenager all the way to almost 40. I can remember where I was, and what stage in life I was at when I watched each episode. From finishing school,to meeting my wife, starting a family, and now to my children being the same age I was when I discovered Top Gear. So many things have changed over the years, but one of the few things that has remained consistent is looking forward to laughing, learning, and just enjoying the latest episodes over the years. I can’t thank these three legends enough.
I suffered a very bad head injury almost 20 years ago. He's not exaggerating when he talks about what your brain does when you aren't...mmm, exactly in control of it. I very much understand what he went through and is, in all probability, still going through. Retraining your brain to do even the most basic things that you've always taken for granted as natural is a very frustrating and humbling experience. It definitely changes a person. I'm very glad he shared his story because things like this tend to be quite personal in nature. It's nice to know that others out there understand.
Thanks for posting this. I'm getting frustrated with my guitar playing right now but if people have to re-learn how to do basic things after a brain injury then I can push on too 👌
@@tonysansom Keep at it. What I kept telling myself through it all was that I had to learn how to do things the first time. I just need to learn how to do them again.
Thank you, Richard Hammond for sharing this with the rest of us. We may not, all of us, go through the crash you went through and live to tell the tale, but we all know we will walk past that tree at some point. Thank you.
@@bradclooney69 How ironic. I believe Hammond to be a humble man. He doesn't care for or need money, but the fact his story is so impactful, and again, very humbling.
@@Celestial-Idiot Alternatively, they are spending their money on something that they want to spend their money on. Also, I’m not quite sure why you gave a response to a question that I didn’t ask.
Hey Richard. I know your never going to read this, but I genuinely want you to know that this video has helped me through 2022, the worst year of my life so far. This entire year I felt alone, lost and depressed, with no light at the end. But I remember watching this for the first time mid way through the year and it made me understand that I’m not alone and that I just need to break out of this shell I created. I’m still recovering and in therapy, but I want you to know that this video helped me. We are all so glad that you are here today still being the funny man you are 😊
We might not know each other, and we will likely never cross paths whatsoever. But I read your comment, and I felt connected, and could feel and understand your tough times. Thank you for unknowingly gifting me a feeling of being connected to other people in the world this way, while being alone at 2am. I feel glad that you're in therapy and recovering and I hope that, in some way, I'm currently sending you a little bit of inner warmth and strength to keep at it.
@@leob_v2 thank you my friend. The same goes for you, lots of warmth and joy being sent to you. Don’t worry it gets easier ❤️😊 also here’s a beer 🍺 representing surviving another year. Cheers to you 🍺
Oh man, this gave me chills! Mindy loved him enough to scream ‘NO, don’t you dare!’ to her husband in what would have been a very quiet ICU, and Richard loved his wife enough to listen and come back to her! Beautiful story, thank you for sharing it with us!
My grandmother told me of the experience she had in the hospital when she was struggling to recover from surgery. She told me that she was walking down a dirt dirt road from her childhood, she walked for some time and saw her husband and my mother who had passed away. They met up and talked for a bit, but they eventually said they had to go and they told her that she couldn't go with them, my grandmother begged them to let her come with but they just walked away. after that she woke up and made a full recovery.
Richard, I think this is the best work you have ever done. Over all the years, all the Top Gear episodes and The Grand Tour - you've made me laugh and cry... This beautiful tribute to life and your wife Mindy, 'yelling you back' is the most memorable video you have ever produced. Thank you, for sharing this Mr. Hammond.
This is really beautiful and touching. I was expecting a generic "I saw my loved ones in heaven" religious story, but got something Earthly yet still profound.
I remember reading this in his book but.... actually seeing that place, seeing that tree, and RH himself telling us about it..... oh my God!!! Really hard times for him and his lovely family. Mindy's love for him saved his life... You're a very strong man RH. I'm so grateful that you were given a second chance.
Richard always comes across as the fun-loving, perhaps slightly dim member of the group, always smiling and cheerful. Moments like this and his "favorite place" video give you a glimpse into the REAL Richard underneath that persona. All 3 of the TG/GT guys I'd love to have a whiskey with and just talk about life, each in their own way is a fascinating person. Hard to believe I've spent almost half my life watching their antics, and seeing them age alongside me (almost the same ages) really brings into focus just how precious every moment is, and to live like it's your last day on earth.
it was just a persona he adopted on top gear for entertainment. no way is he dim. All 3 are intelligent chaps. but i get the age thing as i grew up watching them during high school in the early 2000's and now 33 I can't believe how it feels to be the same age they were back then. such an odd feeling for sure.
I have no words to express how much it means that you shared this with us. You don't know us, but you have millions of "friends" that genuinely care for you (and I guess the "other two"). And you shared a PROFOUNDLY difficult and personal story with us. Thank you, Richard.
I've never seen this clip before but it hit me hard at the thought of what his wife was going through when she was screaming at him, the pure pain of the thought of losing him must have been harrowing, such a lucky man for surviving and having such a loving wife to call him home.
If you haven't already, listen to the audiobook version of "On the Edge". It was written and read by Richard and Mindy, and the parts written by Mindy were truly heartbreaking. Even while just reading, you can tell Mindy was reliving the horror of seeing her husband on life support and potentially losing him (either from dying or forgetting her altogether).
My grandfather passed away last night due to liver cancer and heart failure I hope in his last moments he had a comforting memory and a dream where he was away from all of the hurting and just felt peace. I really want to feel some sort of peacefulness and Richard's experience gave me something for me to think about my grandfather's last moments and be happy for him and at least to think he was relaxed and not hurting.
I'm 22 and I lost my father 2 years ago, felt like my whole life fell apart. Every brick and every little detail I had put together just vanished in an instant. My father had a lot of problems, both business wise but also mental and physical issues. That day he thought that he would be better off sailing away to the distant shores. Never heard of him during that day until the morning after when the police showed up on my front door telling us the news. Ever since then I've tried to build my life up again, hasn't been easy but I'm finally feeling better and moving forward. Beautiful story and a very emotional one. Hope to meet you someday Richard, it would be an honour.
I wish you well and My Father died 51 years ago,in 1971 and I still miss him but Time IS a great healer and he would want you to live a full,happy and joyful life so make the most of each day as before you know it,you are 68 years old and feeling 48 like me :)
I lost my father when I was 13 years old. My mother passed when I was 17. I feel, left alone to soon. I am 42 years old now and I still did not recover from death of both my parents. It hurts a lot, I feel like there is something missing inside me. Will I ever be happy again? How long it will take? :(
@@mibfox So sorry to hear you lost both parents so young. I’m 43, lost my dad 4 years ago, and it still hurts. The pain won’t ever go, but you just learn to grow around it. It will get easier over time. There is no definite amount- it’s different for each individual. All I can say is, it WILL get easier, 🙂
@@mibfox Some things never heal bro, I don't think I will ever heal fully after my dads death. But we gotta move forward and live with it. That's what both your parents would have wanted.
I know that losing your Father is like someone reaching in to your guts and tearing them out. Over time that feeling eases. A friend of mine spoke about death and said the words 'Energy never dies' - I've taken comfort in that ever since. I think of my Father's energy, still alive, somewhere, everywhere.
Thankyou Mr. Hammond. I also lost my wife recently due to a coma - you gave me hope she was in a daydream that really meant something to her. I know you turned back but she could not. Honestly thanks for sharing.
My now late father once told me a similar tale to this. He technically died for around 2 minutes on the operating table, during that time he also went on a journey to where he had once lived as a boy. But when he saw that it was not as he remembered it, he decided to turn back.
I'm 23 and to echo every comment here I just want to express my gratitude for this story and everything Hammond and Co. Have meant to me in my life. I became an engineer because of top gear, I love cars and bikes because of it and appreciate the beauty of the designs put forth. I just bought my first project motorbike to restore (it doesn't start and is older than me) and I feel like a child at Christmas every time I go into the shed to work on it, I owe a lot to all the top gear presenters but the love and appreciation of bikes is all Hammond. Thanks for the stories mate, glad you didn't walk around that tree. PS. If you like the lake District you'll love Irelands west coast, I've connections in tourism so hit me up if what's next, drivetribe or Hammond himself wants to visit and will be happy to set you up with info and free accomodation, thanks guys.
Same here. I'm 23 and a mechanical engineer graduated last year and guess what I have a bike which is older than me waiting to be restored(Royal Enfield Bullet). I grew up watching Top Gear and The Grand Tour. Much of my car knowledge come those three old men. I don't even remember when I started watching Top Gear, they were on TV ever since I could remember and I have been following the trio since childhood. I'm very glad that they are still making car shows together and I'm going to shout like Mindy did if they ever stop that.
Also a 23 y/o M.E. with an old project. My project is a 1982 Datsun 280zx. It looks nice and runs well, but I will always want to do something to it. One of my friends also just got a 1983 280zx Turbo that needs some more work,, but its getting there. I think I started watching Top Gear in middle school and its definitely what inspired me to love cars and to appreciate them with the people you care about.
Thanks Richard. I was in a similar situation, in a coma for a month and half due to toxic sepsis (flesh eating bacteria). Had a variety of dreams, etc...one of which involved John Travolta driving his blue Chevelle into the carport next to my bed. I asked him what was he doing here, and he said he got this job of delivering medical products to this hospital. He said he was ahead of schedule, and plopped down and we had a talk. That's it really. Not afraid of death anymore.
The sense of impending doom. I've never heard it described like this. Absolutely gut wrenching and emotional, but Richard was of course as straight and charismatic as ever through it. Legend, and we're better for having him around still.
One thing that can't be questioned is Hammond's bravery, he has a big pair of brass ones on him. He may be small, but he has done big things. He has faced the tiger and survived. I'm glad he made it back to share his story with the rest of us.
My dad came out of a coma and was convinced a lot of the stuff he dreamt was real. He came out with loads of stories about where he thought he was and what he had witnessed. Took him a long time to come to terms with that stuff not being real.
Yes true! My Dad was in a 3 day coma and when he woke up he was asking about the 3 huskys we had and if our farm was ok. We live in a Town House and have a Cat lol. My Dad never lived on a farm and never had a dog. The mind is very peculiar sometimes.
My mum dreamed of her father dying to a gut repeated diseas. Turned out after a year he had actually stomach cancer… I mean our existence and the universe is a paradox alone there might be crazier things out there than what we could imagine.
This reminds me of my dear Grandad. He told me that the Bible speaks of quiet resting places. There were loads of prayers said for you. Glad you are with us today. Blessings.
Thank you. This past year has been the hardest of my life. And that’s including my 2 tours to Afghanistan & the 6 years I spent there after the military… I’ve been on the verge of “checking out” & the ONLY reason I haven’t is my wife & 2 sons. On occasion I need a message like this to remind myself that I’m not alone. This isn’t only about me. My life means more to those around me than it necessarily may to me. I’m sure I’ve missed the point of the video but this is what it meant to me. Long story short… thank you for this video.
On Richards journey I can relate too, At the age of 19 I suffered complete liver failure after a botched gall bladder removal, I then went through a very major surgery and spent 4 days in a coma hovering between life and death. Whilst it was 4 days for the world at large - in my mind I experienced an eternity of time unbound and without measure. Time outside of time , with no boundaries or points of reference - my memories are of floating in an unending universe . its sobering stuff to behold . I can't describe to you the reader the immense relief I felt when I finally woke in the ICU with the realisation I was alive and I had returned. its quite the cathartic event.
I know your feeling man! 1st of January 2008 I was in a horrible car crash that ended my dreams of becoming a athlete and a craftsmanship, I was in a coma for 3 months (1 month of the accident and 2 months of induced coma) In that time a lady all covered in close from head to toes was every day by me and took me to every single happy place that I ever had, we visited the farm I grew up on the most of my life. In reality everyone was trying to keep me alive, and every place I visited was people that came to say there goodbyes at that time. When it was time to wake up that lady just told me that everything was going to be okay. Months later people started to tell me what actually happened in hospital and it gave me shills. When I visited the farm in my dream, that people came to say their farwells, and the same with the rest of the places... When I went back to the ICU to go say thanks to everyone who had been taking care of me I asked them about the lady I saw every day. They said that a few people who were fighting for their lives in that ICU also witnessed her.
Forwarding to the present time, I'm a paraplegic and making every day count as if it's the last day of my life and honering our father that is in heaven for giving me a second chance in life.
That woman in black that you dreamed about is orthodox saint Petka ! She comes to the dreams of people who are in trouble ! My sister had a terrible fall down the stairs a few years ago and she was in a coma for a few days ! She appeared to her in her dreams and gave her comfort and strength to fight and get out of the coma ! I wish you all the best in life !
In June of 2016 I had my 18th birthday in the hospital after being flung out of the back of a pickup truck and my head bounced off the asphalt. I don’t remember exactly how long I was asleep for but it was somewhere between 24 and 72 hours. I can relate to the vivid dream and profound sense of being ok with the fact you will die. My vivid dream lasts just a few seconds, but it was very vivid and it’s simply me flying over a forest like I’m Superman. This video is something else when you can relate to it man. Thanks for sharing the story Hammond.
Thank you Hammond for sharing. I knew of the crashes with the Vampire but did not know that you went into a coma because of it. You detailing the dream you had with the tree and what was really going on in the real world is something powerful.
This was so moving, I've heard this story from Mindy in an interview but it just doesn't hit home as much when you hear Hammond tell it. Glad you made it back home Hammond.
My youngest brother passed away earlier this year. He was in and out of comas and eventually the fight was too much for him and he walked past that tree. Stay strong people.
Your honesty is refreshing. Thank you. I have watched you all my life and I cannot thank you enough for being you, and being real, and being amazing. Thank you.
My Granny’s absolute favourite singer was John Denver, and she’d sing Annie’s Song at all of our big family gatherings. She passed away with dementia surrounded by her kids at her bedside, and listening to Annie’s Song. Something so beautifully poetic about that. Glad you’re still here, Richard.
Dang, I was in a coma due to a car accident a few years ago. Unfortunately I had no such thoughts, simply forgetting I was existing. To this day I don’t remember waking up or the accident happening, but I do remember the outstanding support of family and friends. Really makes me think much deeper about life and what it truly means. If anything being that close to death only makes me feel more alive and thankful than I ever could have been before. Amazing. Thank you 🙏🏼
If he tells this beautiful story this calm and smiling, then why am I crying like a baby while listening it? 🥺🥺😭 He always suprises me, when he shows his deep, mature, emotianal, "serius" self. But I love him enev more and more with everytime
After however many years watching and connected with him it's weird how someone can suddenly feel like a good mate. Who can make grown men cry suddenly. Cheers mate.
my best friend suffered from a life changing concussion when we were 13 and richards story has been a source of hope and inspiration, thank you richard
Wow, just incredible, this was beautiful and really pulled on my heart. I had a similar experience when I was in a coma for 4 days in ITU. So happy Richard pulled through.
@@qxtankxp I do, vividly. As Richard says in his experience though, you are just completely pumped with morphine. But I had major heart surgery for a congenital heart defect that had serious consequences, after 9 hours in surgery and major things gone wrong on the operating table I was in a coma for 4 days and a month on itu. I didn't experience walking towards the tree, my experience was walking from the forms of life into formlessness, nothingness. But it wasn't nothingness in a way we understand it, it wasn't empty or void. It was incredible. I can't actually explain it in any way that makes sense. But as I say morphine could be the culprit, when I was out of the coma I was climbing the walls with the morphine 🙂
12 years ago I suffered a serious head injury and spent a week in ICU, I had a 50/50 chance of living but I pulled through but even today I still have memory issues. It changed everything, how I viewed my life.
I suffer from real bad depression from time to time. I take huge inspiration from This video, top gear was a massive part of my child hood and the grand tour onto my teenage years. Just goes to show anyone can come back from the lowest point. Love for the guy.
He’s an incredible story teller. I’ve got a lot of respect for him after these videos. Always liked him as a presenter but never realised he could be quite so poetic.
Videos like this are what make Richard likable for who he is as a person, and not just because he’s famous, he feels like a guy you could be friends with instead of a celebrity to be worshipped
Wow. What an incredible story! Amazing that Mindy knew how to reach you. My Dad was in a coma for a couple of weeks. A post-chemo infection. He was septic. They told us to call in a priest, and said his organs were too damaged to be donated. A pastor came. We all went in 2 at a time. He pulled through had a bone marrow transplant and lived 4 more years. He wasn’t a great storyteller so I don’t know what he experienced exactly, but it changed him. He was calmer, more forgiving, more accepting etc etc. Hard to describe really, but he experienced something that altered his outlook. I hope it’s many many years before you go around the tree. I’d be willing to bet that when you do, if your family need to feel close to you they will be able to go to that tree and feel your presence, because you’ll be just above the branches watching them.
You might want to ask him if he experienced an NDE. My father had one when he went into a coma after going septic from brain surgery. He had a life review (which is common in NDE’s) and was told he needed to do more on Earth and was sent back.
@@hofahome ummm, no can do I’m afraid. He lived 4 more years after that but the leukaemia came back and he died 10 years ago now. He was very grateful for his 4 extra years as he got to see his grandchildren grow up more and they all remember him well now, and he definitely made a big difference particularly to one of my nephews who still now thinks about whether his actions would make Grandpa proud (and they would, he’s become an amazingly kind and generous young man). So maybe he needed to stay until that nephew had what he needed. Or maybe Mum needed him for longer. I’m sure Mum knows more about what he experienced but she’s never chosen to talk about it in detail so I’m not going to pry. He was different after it though so something definitely happened.
This is such a moving video. I always remember that night in 2006 when I saw your face on the 10 o'clock news and I went to bed dreading what I might hear the next morning, wondering whether you'd pulled through or whether Top Gear was about to change forever. I remember the amazement when not that long later you were sitting up in your hospital bed eating cornflakes. The amount of messages that poured in, praying for your recovery was incredible. It just showed how much people liked you and enjoyed what you do. I was so moved by your book about the experience (On the Edge) and admired the way you came back to Top Gear and bravely carried on. I'm so pleased you've been able to see your girls grow up, and to be with your family, and also to continue bringing us fantastic adventures with Jeremy and James and all the other great work you've done. Thank you for sharing this video with us.
I’m not one for commenting on a video, but 3 times in the last 24 hours I have come back to watch this. It hits different. As a role model to me growing up, seeing you put together those powerful words & dig up your past to share with us has brought out emotions in me that I didn’t know I had. Thank you for sharing with us, more people should see this.
As someone who was in a 27 day coma I can relate to this deep story. I had a very terrible experience and remember all of the years in my coma very vividly.
Interesting… so you lived years within the 27 days. Sounds very much like Inception. Sometimes, I’ll have a dream and it feels like forever has gone by but I had only hit snooze 5 minutes ago.
I was in a coma for 5 days and I don’t remember a thing. I’m not sure I wish I did remember, I’m just unsure how I feel about it I suppose. I hope you’re doing well.
I’ve heard a lot of people have such vivid experiences in comas that they wake up and have difficulty telling if they’re actually awake or still in the coma.
Me also. 3 weeks Coma with wonderful dreams and voyages that I remember vividly. Beautiful places etc. AND when I woke up and the first questions people asked - when the breathing tube was taken out. Unfortunately Mr Hammond writes that he ripped his out. Well. I wish he can sleep with that.
I don’t have a coma story but thank you Hammond for sharing that story. I’m so happy that you recovered. I remember when it happened and everybody was worried for you. It was really heartfelt when we heard your costars talking about you. It really shows how much of a bond you guys have on the show and I’m so happy you guys were able to stay together
This video has been recommended so many times, finally sitting in my car eating a quick lunch scarfing down my meal I decide to watch this quick 4 minute video. Was not expecting to have this many emotions swirling around. A true gift this trio have been, together and individually.
Brought a little tear to my eye Richard when you told how your wife shouted at you not to die, made me stop and think for a moment, I'm glad you shared this with us
He became a meme for his intense crashes. He became a legend for surviving all of them.
^
Dance
Yeah it wouldn’t be so funny if he died
Living legend
Hammond must be built differently ok he is basically a gold fish with brain Damage from all the serious crashes I guess not everything is scripted but Hammond is crazy tho you got to admit tha without Hammond to cause trouble it wouldn't be the same without the team
Richard Hammond was the last person I was expecting to make me cry today. What a fantastic story. I’m so glad you turned back from the tree!
I was just thinking the same thing
I wish I could cry so
Right?
I came to the comments to say the exact same thing.
Absolutely
This is quite moving. How he manages to pull off telling this story without breaking out in tears is impressive…
i feel like crying everytime i watch this
Don't worry, I got him 🥲
Say what you will about Richard Hammond, he is the consummate performer.
Yes, the English and the stiff upper lip....I think for his life "the tree was the tree of Life".....his dear wife "it seems" knew he wasn't ready for it (none of us really are)......I think he would have died if he reached the tree!
Very moving
I yelled to my grandmother when she was in a coma. I knew the last sense to leave someone is thier hearing. I held her hand, then yelled to her to squeeze my hand if she could hear me.. she squeezed gently. I told her we loved her and that we would see her again.. she squeezed again. That was 30 years ago but feels like last week. I miss that kind old woman. 😊
Grandma's are pure ❤️
But in 2021 💔
@@libtardiacitizen What does that even mean... that in 2021, grandmas will break your heart?
@@-108- omfg lol
This gives me hope that my Grandma heard me… I hope she did.
@@DoglinsShadowI'm sure she did ❤️
I think we can all agree Hammond is one of the luckiest men in the world. Not just because he survived, but because he found someone who loved him so much that they wanted to be by his side until the very end.
Exactly! That's really beautiful, i'm jealous lol.
This made me cry.
True. Seems like many wives these days would respond, "Great! So when do I get the rest of his money?" LOL
@@Bristecom I have bad news for you, husbands leave wives who get a cancer diagnosis at 6x the rate wives leave husbands who get a cancer diagnosis. Men do not stay with sick women. "The study confirmed earlier research of a divorce or separation rate among cancer patients of 11.6 percent, similar to the general population, but found the rate jumped to 20.8 percent when the woman was sick versus 2.9 percent when the man was ill."
He sure did, Oliver ❤
Hammond really had a protagonist moment. It was like he had he choice to remain in his happy place forever, or return to Mindy and his other loved ones. She really called him back from the dead with their bond.
Can we just call it a life moment, there are no main characters in the Story of Life.
@@sailormam7846 nah let’s keep the protagonists story, let’s us highlight the people that contribute to our society
@@sailormam7846 No, this is a protagonist moment and I'm all for it.
@@i2krez I like to think that life has many protagonists, there's just certain times when one shines over the others momentarily.
@@sailormam7846 everybody is his main character in the story of life, how about you stop being afraid and simply enjoy life the best you can
My wife passed two weeks ago. We played her playlist of her favorite songs while we sat with her. This is the best thing I've seen on social media in a very long time. Thank you Mr. Hammond.
I'm so sorry to hear that bud, stay strong it's what she would have wanted
i’m sorry for your loss. you are loved.
I am sorry for you lost sir, stay strong, we all are here for you
Jesus this made me cry unexpectedly. I hope all is well with you and your family. Loss cuts so deep but most of us heal, even if the scar remains forever.
I like to think that people who are transitioning between life and death do experience a joyful and peaceful place and then whatever happens to their life energy is just transformed into something else. Death is part of the cycle of life. Embrace it and don't fear it.
"I know it's where I'll go" is such a comforting message. The idea that people who may be dying or in an induced coma like Hammond was can have solace and comfort in their last moments, enjoying a place they love and remember happily. It makes the idea of someone's most painful physical point much easier, because it could be leading to such mental peace for them. Idk, this just makes me emotional.
@humbertovargas1211Chill brother. I don’t think this person is thinking of ending it all, just that they themselves may get that feeling of being comforted in their dying days, when their time comes, even for a short while. 🙏
Think we all need to give Mindy a huge round of applause. No one can comprehend what she must’ve gone through and its not appreciated enough what she has potentially saved. Thank you Mindy, from the bottom of our hearts. You are a true hero.
His telling of the story, strangely doesn't give his wife enough credit. He mentions the importance of being grounded and connected to a place, but not the importance of being connected to family and loved ones.
@@rokko_fable it's his story not yours. It's not your place to try and dictate how he tells his own story. He mentioned his wife and his experience exactly as much as he felt to.
He is only a bloke from Birmingham.
@@guth21776 and your just another opinionated troll on youtube
@@guth21776 😂😂
Crazy to think about what really goes through in the minds of coma patients. Glad that Hammond survived his and was able to give his story of what happened.
It's almost humbling to think that there are many comatose patients who didn't survive who would have probably had the most incredible stories to tell about their experience. I'm glad there are people on here who choose to do so though ☺️
He's all fun and games but you know he's such a genuine guy one that I'm glad was able to stay on this Earth and tell his story
Why do I see you everywhere
Maybe it wasn't in his mind. Maybe he was really there. Not his physical body but who he is.
Coma patients experience the exactly same thing we do every single night - dream!
Vivid and clear dreams can be achieved even without some kind of brain damage or drugs, you just need a lot of time and practice (well... some people are lucky enough that they dont have to, but its a minority) to be able to lucid dream, but its possible!
It is easier for coma patients to achieve this state. Their brain is going through cycles like it does everyday - so there is a "deep sleep", "shallow sleep" and in between is a state, when patients brain is not fully asleep, yet not fully awake because of damage or drugs. When brain doesnt recieve visual input it makes it on its own. And you can try it yourself tonight! Just lie like you would go to sleep, dont move and focus just on the darkness in front of your closed eyes. After a while you will see somethins happening! Its called hypnagogia, and its just a step away from the lucid dream!
Before my nan passed away, she told my dad, "I feel like I'm out at sea, and I cant get back to shore". This was a brilliant woman, who had started lose her marbles one could say in the later years of her life, and for her to say something so poignant out of the blue, really made an impact on all of us. She fought to stay alive for a few more days, but passed away peaceful. I like to think she just accepted being out at sea and found some kind of happiness being out there. Much love Richard, it wasn't your time.
Thank you for sharing a powerful story/memory
Whoa... that's *very* interesting.
Thank you for sharing.
Chemicals/drugs that give you an euphoric feeling. Dad after a brain/back injury also had vivid dreams, but he also repeated himself several time. So your mind try to comprehend with trama goes back to a found memory or some type of memory where you feel safe. The brain truly is amazing thing
If you believe in admiralty law it is…
The sea is very comforting place and a nice memory to end it on.
I came across this video the day after my sister succumbed to emphysema. She had been sedated and on a ventilator for several days with no improvement, so yesterday she was taken off the ventilator and allowed to pass peacefully. She loved the outdoors and hiking, and hearing Richard speak of his experience while he was unconscious gives me hope that her last days were spent in her mind somewhere beautiful.
Thank you Richard Hammond for this, and for all of the hours of entertainment you’ve given us over the years.
RIP Jen.
I'm sorry for your loss mate. Take care of yourself.
I'm sure she was.
May she fly high in heaven R.I.P Jen.
Hope your doing okay! Sorry for your loss
I'm sorry for your loss... may your sister dwell in eternal peace !
I still can't believe we almost lost this legend, probably one of the men who most shaped my childhood along with clarkson and may.
Same my love for cars and bikes are from these guys.....the day any of them pass will be heartbreaking for so many of us
They are like modern day Led Zeppelin. There's just no-one doing it better.
Who would have thought three old gits arsing around on a car based TV show would end up meaning so much?
and my man still doing what he loves, riding bikes, driving fast cars and going on adventures with the dudes. Truly a legendary among hamsters.
Yeah it’s how he was sooooo close to dying and evening closer to having a much worse brain injury
He's so lucky to have survived two life threatening car crashes in the Vampire and the Rimac. Cannot imagine what it was like for Mindy and his girls
>two life threatening car crashes
That we know of
When is he going for the hattrick?
@@mikecooper2566 I don't think he's ever going to risk anything like that again, especially after James's crash in the recent Grand Tour special
@@DublinDriftR33 who are you?
"Yes Mindy, he's done it again"
“Oh, a new video. 4 minutes, short and sweet.”
90 seconds later, full-blown weeping.
Really beautiful. Thanks for this.
Exactly the same
I just had to pause it, or I too, would have burst into tears…
I thought exactly the same.
Mopping myself up as I write this. His spirit was moving on, I’m glad he turned around to finish this journey first ❤️🩹🙏
this made me cry. as a brain injury survivor that was in a coma i had a very similar experience of a very vivid dream of being in my most favorite place. and the overwhelming feeling of being in trouble and not knowing why. i remember being in an old growth forest on vancouver island. and walking to a bridge. and the feeling of being in BIG TROUBLE if i crossed that bridge was intense. my ex wife was by my side through the whole thing. and its hard to explain.. but i just knew.
Wow. Does that mean it's an entire phenomenon?
@@saagabragi6938 I wouldn't be surprised if it is! Richard has spoken about his conversations with other brain injury patients, and even though each case is unique, there are a LOT of similarities between symptoms and recovery.
Glad to hear you made it! If you don't mind me asking though, did you cross the bridge, turn back like Hammond did or another option?
He’s still with us after all these years of brutal crashes.
This man will never die.
He was the only one of the team who dared to take a true risk, the other two never did.
@@johndoesen1718 James May did recently, in ‘A Scandi Flick’. 😂
Legends never die.
And seeing as how he looks to be aging like fine wine, he might not be aging at all so maybe he will live forever
He's still half the man he always was
This is probably one of the most honest, heart-felt, touching and purest videos I have ever seen. Its loaded with the most comforting of messages, whilst also being delivered with that same, and very subtle (and calming), tone that Hammond has. It is beyond special, and I feel this is one of Hammond's highlights of his entire career. I salute you!
This is Hammonds "version" of what Clarkson has with his porche story, yes i think we all know _that_ porche story.
These Men are somewhat treasures of our lifetime.
The storys and the beautifull skill of telling them, give us these enormous feelings..
I feel really blessed to be in this time when all of these TG group stuff happened.
What a chaps.
I got quite emotional watching this, warms the heart 💓
I thought this was gonna be a funny video and now I'm crying
13 years ago my mum fell into a diabetic coma for almost two months, I’d wait by her bedside every day wondering if she could hear us or what she was thinking, it’s relieving to know she probably was conscious of our presence and could’ve been reliving the best memories in her head before she passed ❤️
Stay strong. The most important is to believe ❤️
As a nurse I can assure you she heard you, she knew you were there.
My mom just passed. Before that she was in a coma… but she did wake up and after while gained back speech to tell us about her experience. She knew when we were there and I guarantee you that your time spent with your mum was well spent ❤
@@BikingwithJP I feel so sorry for you. Stay strong man! Great that she was able to tell you her experience. Sorry for your loss
I'm so sorry for your loss Layla :( May Allah SWT keep you and your family strong❤️
Sounds like he's made his peace with dying. He went up to the brink, looked over, and saw it wasn't anything to be afraid of.
As a veteran who's had his share of near-death experiences, I can relate.
i don't fear death, I just see it as the next step.
What if it’s the last step?
Death is merely the cessation of the physical vehicle. The consciousness will keep driving on.
@@cooldud7071 No. Dead is dead. Lights off, everything ceases. The end.
@@Burning_Saints You need to listen to more of these testimonies and try meditating.
@@mase8189 I've never heard testimony from someone who's actually dead. I wonder why...
My dad lost his leg and was in a coma for something like 4-6 weeks. He recalled a very similar story except at the end he spoke to a bear (he was known as the bear in his town and had a tattoo of one on his shoulder) who asked him if he was ready to be judged. My dad hadn’t lived the best life especially with me and my sister who he rarely spoke too and or made bad decisions around. He pleaded and begged the bear if he could go back and make it right and said he would give up everything he was doing wrong. He also mentioned he would be judged based off his actions to that moment but before he died he wanted to have a chance to make things right for me and my sister. The bear told him he would grant him a chance to make things right and for his wrong doings to that point he would have to sacrifice something and he wouldn’t find out till he was back. He agreed and the bear told him he wouldn’t have another chance like this. And vanished at which point my father woke up and was completely different person from that day forward. I hope if I am ever at a point of near death my father is my guide.
🥲 Beautiful story; thanks!
Engaging story!
@@erikvalkman9640 thanks!! I was told when I was kid didn’t really believe it until I realized that it was an actual thing that happens to people in near death.
@@markfryer9880 thank you !!
Amazing story!
I recently had to let my old man go after suffering a cardiac arrest and being in a coma for 4 days. Richard you have really eased my pain knowing my dad too would have been in his happy place, unaware of the reality his body was going through. You’ve made my day mate.
And you will find him there when the time comes
huh 4 days in a coma is not that long did you not have the money to keep him in the hospital or something?
@@DangerZone200 obviously the doctors would have done all there check the likelihood of brain damage after cardiac arrest is quite high especially if you don’t get the heart beating within the first minute. Your comment is insensitive by any means coming to the decision the let the man that raised you go is beyond tough most of the time the right decision no matter how upsetting it may be
Whats the betting there are now people off up there looking for this tree.
@@DangerZone200 🤦🏻♂️there is always one isnt there. One that climbs out of the pit of self wallowing to spread hate and spew vileness.
I met Richard Hammond at the Classic Motor Show in Birmingham, such a genuinely decent person, honoured to have been among so many people asking for autographs and pictures, and when I thanked him for the years of entertainment and the smiles he put on mine and my family’s faces, he simply said, the pleasure was all his. That speaks volumes, we’re all so happy to still have you around, Richard.
@Chris Tailor that's awesome that you got to meet Richard Hammond.
this was an amazing story too.. it humanized him and that struggle / wreck and his family so much beyond "bad hurt, but he got better". His wife is amazing!
@@a.s.h.5774 If you haven't read it, you should find "Beyond the Edge". It was mostly written by Mindy, but it shows just how strong and powerful she really is.
@@soulcornflake1 * " On the Edge" .
Hammond managed to survive both a horrific crash and the British healthcare system, truly inspiring.
A fine piece of film. I too sustained a serious brain injury, fell into a coma while in the hospital and came close to death. My morphine-induced experience was chaotic rather than poetic like Richard's. At one point I floated in the clouds with gladiators and cherubs. Later on I drifted like a ghost through strangely empty wards, repairing any broken beds, before escaping the hospital via underground tunnels which led me out into the Scottish countryside. Finally I took to Baking bread in the (deserted) hospital kitchen, and when I woke up after what turned out to be several days of unconsciousness was heard to mumble, "Where's the bread I baked?"
I hope you eventually baked some bread. ☺️
Someone get this man some bread!
@@englishatheart Not yet, but I will if it's the last thing I do!
@@thecroft6070 now that ive read that im thinking about how much i want some fresh bananna bread right now. Maybe ill try baking some later.
Thanks for sharing
My close friend was hit by a suv while we were riding bikes. He was broken everywhere on the body, spine,legs,face, ribs,collapsed lungs, internal bleeding, compartment syndrome in leg, massive head trauma. He was in a coma in the ICU. His family let me visit and they were all whispering when talking so I just blurted his name out real loud and said "hey Jason, it's Brett" he immediately awakened. His mom almost passed out and everyone was kinda freaking out. He looked at me and moved his hand to ask me what happened. He went on to recover and is now a tenured professor. Of course that doesn't always work but it did for him.
👆>>>
Awesome story
Well done Brett ❤
My man found the password to his mind lol
Based.
I know it isn’t really comparable to the rest, but I think this is the most beautiful and artistic piece of media Richard Hammond has ever done. Thank you for this, man. I hope, in everyone’s darkest hour, they have someone to lead them home.
Thanks so much, scott. I hope the same for you. People deserve at least that, i think.
Try his autobiography, the part where just after he injured till he's recovered is written by his wife. It really is quite emotive.
my father passed this week and this video moved me to tears. His death was unexpected, and he went in his sleep, he was only 62 years old. I hope my father had a tree of his own to bring him peace when crossing over to whatever comes after this life.
I have been in a medically-induced coma so this really does strike a chord. The dreams really are incredibly vivid and unlike anything I've experienced before or since. They started off really bad, dreams where I was being tortured or hunted, including by nurses. Dreams where I was trapped underground or unable to escape, even one was I buried alive, throughout I was always thirsty - reflecting real thirst as I was intubated. All these dreams would eventually, and somewhat miraculously, end up with my safety realised once I was back with my parents. However, I had to fight, I had to escape, I had to resist whatever appalling thing was happening in order for that to happen. Eventually, these dreams started to get better, indeed, nearly perfect. The perfect Christmas, the perfect holiday, everything was warm, cosy, safe and bountiful. I had all that I wanted. The complete opposite of the nightmares. However, even though these dreams were verging on perfection, at one point, I became aware, that, nice those dreams were, they were not real. I became aware of a password I could use to get out and I used it. I cannot remember any dreams after that.
So, if you're ever in the terrible situation Mindy was, or my parents were, and I hope with all my heart that you never are, my advice would be this:
Keep talking to them, tell them where they are and what's happening. I genuinely believe I must have been aware of my parents' constant presence and it may even have saved my life. I believe my psyche was fighting for my life and the will to fight meant that I did live. My parents did not allow me to give up and that may be why I am here. Maybe Mindy shouting at Richard, was exactly the same. I see a lot of parallels.
What a story! Thanks for sharing!
I have those dreams too that I'm hunted, chased, tortured etc. With the escape situation. I never get killed in the dreams but.. I don't like having them. I don't think I ever had happy warm and calm dreams
Wow
Absolutely incredible story. To have a family like yours and Richards is all I can hope for with anybody who may have to go through this. And though I've fortunately never been through this, I second the notion that I sincerely hope that nobody reading this (or at all, but that's impossible) has to experience it.
wow, great story and may help alot of people as well, thanks for sharing that story 👍
There was a study done on mices ability to survive against terrible and unreal odds and you know what kept thwm holding onto life for waayyy longer then they normally would? Hope. A little hope goes a really long way.
Watching Hamster mature into an old man like this is heartwarming. He was so young when he crashed and now he is wise.
“Hamster” 😭😭
Old man!? He's only 39!
Nope. He was born in 1969. 52. Not really old but on the cusp.
@@peterhallahan4841 it was a recurring joke on old Top Gear. Every birthday he was 39.
@@notoriousbmc1 Ah. Missed that completely! And I watched it for years. 😂
I'm 21 and I genuinely broke down into tears listening to this, I understand it could be seen as weird but Hammond May and Clarkson were immensely influential to me growing up, I'd go through a lot of painful and traumatic experiences be it from school or home issues watching these 3 brought me comfort, As well is me not having friends at the time I did bond with them as much as a lonely kid across the world could, I've never met them and I probably never will but they've done so much for me in the short time I've been on this earth and I'll forever be thankful for that.
Not weird at all! We all feel the same almost personal attachment to Hammond and his two daft mates!😀
Same. Watched them growing up for as long as I can remember, and always with my dad.
100% watching the trio would instantly make any worry or anxiety go away... and still does
I completely agree and relate to this
You're not on your own Seth. I too grew a huge connection and found comfort in watching the Trio in similar circumstances to what you've described there.
Now I'm 27 with 2 kids keeping me busier than I can cope with, but just seeing a glimpse of the trio together gives me a moment of comfort, a moment of calmness where every worry disappears.
Not weird at all mate, far from.......
As an ICU nurse this brief story moved me tremendously. Im glad you were able to recover from that crash.
Shoutout to Richard for sharing his personal moment and what he experienced... reliving and remembering stuff like this is really tough. Bless you man, i'm so glad you made it and am living your best life, and Mindy to helping him back! As someone who has dealt with head injuries and neurological things, I'm sitting here crying because it hits pretty close to home
Same here Steph it’s a scary situation but I’m glad you’re ok now all I know from my experience is that it really showed me just how much my true friends meant to me and from now on they’ll always hold a very special place in my heart
Head Injuries are something not to taken lightly. My brother suffered a major one and ended up passing g away 20 yrs later cause of it. Atleast we got 20 more yrs with him which is more than some can say. Anyone who has fought through one has my upmost respect. It isn't easy I know
I can't even type the story without choking up so I'll keep it short. My step dad was in a coma for 28 days. Not a long time. But while he was in his coma he saw many things. He wrote them all down for us, much of it out of any sort of order.
Here comes the hard part. Deep breath. He drew my mom a map. They studied it together. And they sealed it in an envelope. My step dad passed in July of 2015 and I promised him that the envelope will be in my mom's hands when she passes away too. He drew her a map to their special place, where they can spend eternity. And I'm thankful to him for giving my mother something to believe in, a reason to keep going and the comfort that she has a place to go when she is done here.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone. Happy holidays. Happy Hanukkah. All the other cool holidays I can't spell correctly. Be safe and hug your loved ones just a few extra seconds this year.
This was beautiful :) happy holidays to you as well ~
Woh that’s amazingly beautiful I cherish there togetherness for eternity
Beautiful story. I didn’t expect to be crying today but this video and these stories… Thank you.
Thank you for sharing your story with us. Your step father must have loved your Mum very much and wanted her to find him in the next world! Very fortunate!
Thank you. You're right those seconds are worth an eternity
In 2021 I spent 6 weeks in the ICU in an induced coma. My body stopped working but my brain did not. Thank you for sharing this. I felt like I was there for a year, and it took me a long time to unpack everything when I awoke. I have very really memories that I know didn't happen involving loss of family. It's taking some work to shed those memories. This time last year I was learning how to stand on my own. Learning how to walk. Now I can jog. Everyone has a story. Thank you for sharing yours.
You’re a badass man. Stay strong, see it out just one more day. Always tell yourself that
Best wishes
This is genuinely one of the most beautiful pieces of broadcasting I have ever seen. If you read this, Richard, you're becoming one of the most engaging, authentic and emotionally honest people on telly, internet, whatever. I think this kind of 'content' - being you, telling stories, bringing the viewer on a journey to live through your eyes and feel what was in your heart - is the best 'content' you have ever produced. I really, really hope you do more of it.
Having lost a mate in a car crash pretty recently, this is quite comforting to hear from someone i feel like i've known for a long time even if it's only from the internet and tv. I genuinely do believe there's something afterwards and i'm just waiting to see him again, tell him how much everyone loved him and having a beer with him again....someday.
🖤
Sorry for your loss.
‘Death is the path to awe’ - we all have someone & somewhere to be after this life. I am sure your friend will stop in now and then. Leave a drink or his favourite things out by the hearth during the Yuletide & await his response.
At 22, i fell into a diabetic coma. Then developed septic shock. I was in a coma on a ventilator for 34 days. I spent 3 months in hospital after that relearning how to be independent. Its.... actually really healing to listen to someone else describe their experience. There are many similarities despite our different situations. Especially about the vivid dreaming and the connection between your loved ones supporting you and talking to you and how it influences the dreams you have. My mom was by my side every day, constantly talking to me. Thank you, this brought me just a bit more peace. Being alive when you certainly should be dead is a feeling that's not easy to cope with.
how old are you now?
@@Drikkerbadevand 24.
@@Ipetam I hope all is well
Sounds like you should be alive to me old friend
How did the diabetic coma happen? Did it just come on out of nowhere or did you have symptoms leading up?
thank you Mindy for scaring him so much by screaming at him that he stopped the journey around the tree.
he gave me so much joy with many journeys he shared with us after that.
For 3 British blokes I’ve never met in person it’s astonishing how much I care about them. From being a young teenager all the way to almost 40. I can remember where I was, and what stage in life I was at when I watched each episode. From finishing school,to meeting my wife, starting a family, and now to my children being the same age I was when I discovered Top Gear. So many things have changed over the years, but one of the few things that has remained consistent is looking forward to laughing, learning, and just enjoying the latest episodes over the years. I can’t thank these three legends enough.
I suffered a very bad head injury almost 20 years ago. He's not exaggerating when he talks about what your brain does when you aren't...mmm, exactly in control of it. I very much understand what he went through and is, in all probability, still going through. Retraining your brain to do even the most basic things that you've always taken for granted as natural is a very frustrating and humbling experience. It definitely changes a person. I'm very glad he shared his story because things like this tend to be quite personal in nature. It's nice to know that others out there understand.
What happened to you mate? And the head injury?
Thanks for posting this. I'm getting frustrated with my guitar playing right now but if people have to re-learn how to do basic things after a brain injury then I can push on too 👌
@@tonysansom Keep at it. What I kept telling myself through it all was that I had to learn how to do things the first time. I just need to learn how to do them again.
I didn't expect that this morning. He seems like such a pleasant, genuine person. That was very moving.
He seems like that because that's how he genuinely is.
Thank you, Richard Hammond for sharing this with the rest of us. We may not, all of us, go through the crash you went through and live to tell the tale, but we all know we will walk past that tree at some point.
Thank you.
Thank you for your donation Yagnesh, it will be forwarded to Mr Hammond's bank account with a copy of your message.
@@bradclooney69 How ironic. I believe Hammond to be a humble man. He doesn't care for or need money, but the fact his story is so impactful, and again, very humbling.
@@bradclooney69 Couldn’t imagine being that broke that you get upset when someone else spends 10 bucks. Hope you’re okay, buddy.
@@kyukei866 probably because working class citizens sending money to millionaires for whatever strange reason, is just that, strange.
@@Celestial-Idiot Alternatively, they are spending their money on something that they want to spend their money on. Also, I’m not quite sure why you gave a response to a question that I didn’t ask.
Hey Richard. I know your never going to read this, but I genuinely want you to know that this video has helped me through 2022, the worst year of my life so far. This entire year I felt alone, lost and depressed, with no light at the end. But I remember watching this for the first time mid way through the year and it made me understand that I’m not alone and that I just need to break out of this shell I created. I’m still recovering and in therapy, but I want you to know that this video helped me. We are all so glad that you are here today still being the funny man you are 😊
We might not know each other, and we will likely never cross paths whatsoever. But I read your comment, and I felt connected, and could feel and understand your tough times. Thank you for unknowingly gifting me a feeling of being connected to other people in the world this way, while being alone at 2am. I feel glad that you're in therapy and recovering and I hope that, in some way, I'm currently sending you a little bit of inner warmth and strength to keep at it.
@@leob_v2 thank you my friend. The same goes for you, lots of warmth and joy being sent to you. Don’t worry it gets easier ❤️😊 also here’s a beer 🍺 representing surviving another year. Cheers to you 🍺
Your comment really touched me. Wishing you the best as you keep moving forward.
All the best to you ❤
Had a tough year myself. Hope everyone is doing alright
Oh man, this gave me chills! Mindy loved him enough to scream ‘NO, don’t you dare!’ to her husband in what would have been a very quiet ICU, and Richard loved his wife enough to listen and come back to her! Beautiful story, thank you for sharing it with us!
I'm sure he loves his wife but I bet he also didn't want to get in trouble with her for dying. :D
My grandmother told me of the experience she had in the hospital when she was struggling to recover from surgery.
She told me that she was walking down a dirt dirt road from her childhood, she walked for some time and saw her husband and my mother who had passed away. They met up and talked for a bit, but they eventually said they had to go and they told her that she couldn't go with them, my grandmother begged them to let her come with but they just walked away.
after that she woke up and made a full recovery.
Richard, I think this is the best work you have ever done.
Over all the years, all the Top Gear episodes and The Grand Tour - you've made me laugh and cry...
This beautiful tribute to life and your wife Mindy, 'yelling you back' is the most memorable video you have ever produced.
Thank you, for sharing this Mr. Hammond.
📺 🧟♂️🧟♀️ .....
This is really beautiful and touching. I was expecting a generic "I saw my loved ones in heaven" religious story, but got something Earthly yet still profound.
I remember reading this in his book but.... actually seeing that place, seeing that tree, and RH himself telling us about it..... oh my God!!! Really hard times for him and his lovely family. Mindy's love for him saved his life... You're a very strong man RH. I'm so grateful that you were given a second chance.
Great book . Was thinking the same thing
@@jhc85 👍🙏
May I ask which book that was? I'll take a guess and say it's "On The Edge" but I can't find it anywhere near me sadly
@@vexatr Yeah it's called "On the Edge", I highly recommend it!
@@vexatr audio version of it, read by both Richard and Mindy, is also available on various platforms such as Audible
Richard always comes across as the fun-loving, perhaps slightly dim member of the group, always smiling and cheerful. Moments like this and his "favorite place" video give you a glimpse into the REAL Richard underneath that persona. All 3 of the TG/GT guys I'd love to have a whiskey with and just talk about life, each in their own way is a fascinating person. Hard to believe I've spent almost half my life watching their antics, and seeing them age alongside me (almost the same ages) really brings into focus just how precious every moment is, and to live like it's your last day on earth.
Dim is not a word I’d liken to Richard. He’s intelligent and has the school boy quality about him, but never dim.
@@Andys12169 Perhaps not dim, but more like enthusiastic without thinking of the consequences. Boyish might be a better term.
100%
it was just a persona he adopted on top gear for entertainment. no way is he dim. All 3 are intelligent chaps. but i get the age thing as i grew up watching them during high school in the early 2000's and now 33 I can't believe how it feels to be the same age they were back then. such an odd feeling for sure.
Like it
I have no words to express how much it means that you shared this with us. You don't know us, but you have millions of "friends" that genuinely care for you (and I guess the "other two"). And you shared a PROFOUNDLY difficult and personal story with us. Thank you, Richard.
Best comment ❤️
It gives me some comfort as it relates to my own mortality.
Just don't even think about loaning him a car you love. 😄
I've never seen this clip before but it hit me hard at the thought of what his wife was going through when she was screaming at him, the pure pain of the thought of losing him must have been harrowing, such a lucky man for surviving and having such a loving wife to call him home.
If you haven't already, listen to the audiobook version of "On the Edge". It was written and read by Richard and Mindy, and the parts written by Mindy were truly heartbreaking. Even while just reading, you can tell Mindy was reliving the horror of seeing her husband on life support and potentially losing him (either from dying or forgetting her altogether).
My grandfather passed away last night due to liver cancer and heart failure I hope in his last moments he had a comforting memory and a dream where he was away from all of the hurting and just felt peace. I really want to feel some sort of peacefulness and Richard's experience gave me something for me to think about my grandfather's last moments and be happy for him and at least to think he was relaxed and not hurting.
Sorry for your loss. I hope for that too for your grandfather and all we lose 🧡
It's wonderful that in some way Mindy saved Richard's life, she brought him back with love-filled yelling and shouting. I'm thankful she did that.
I'm 22 and I lost my father 2 years ago, felt like my whole life fell apart. Every brick and every little detail I had put together just vanished in an instant. My father had a lot of problems, both business wise but also mental and physical issues. That day he thought that he would be better off sailing away to the distant shores. Never heard of him during that day until the morning after when the police showed up on my front door telling us the news. Ever since then I've tried to build my life up again, hasn't been easy but I'm finally feeling better and moving forward. Beautiful story and a very emotional one. Hope to meet you someday Richard, it would be an honour.
I wish you well and My Father died 51 years ago,in 1971 and I still miss him but Time IS a great healer and he would want you to live a full,happy and joyful life so make the most of each day as before you know it,you are 68 years old and feeling 48 like me :)
I lost my father when I was 13 years old. My mother passed when I was 17. I feel, left alone to soon. I am 42 years old now and I still did not recover from death of both my parents. It hurts a lot, I feel like there is something missing inside me. Will I ever be happy again? How long it will take? :(
@@mibfox So sorry to hear you lost both parents so young. I’m 43, lost my dad 4 years ago, and it still hurts. The pain won’t ever go, but you just learn to grow around it. It will get easier over time. There is no definite amount- it’s different for each individual. All I can say is, it WILL get easier, 🙂
@@mibfox Some things never heal bro, I don't think I will ever heal fully after my dads death. But we gotta move forward and live with it. That's what both your parents would have wanted.
I know that losing your Father is like someone reaching in to your guts and tearing them out. Over time that feeling eases. A friend of mine spoke about death and said the words 'Energy never dies' - I've taken comfort in that ever since. I think of my Father's energy, still alive, somewhere, everywhere.
Thankyou Mr. Hammond. I also lost my wife recently due to a coma - you gave me hope she was in a daydream that really meant something to her. I know you turned back but she could not. Honestly thanks for sharing.
My now late father once told me a similar tale to this. He technically died for around 2 minutes on the operating table, during that time he also went on a journey to where he had once lived as a boy. But when he saw that it was not as he remembered it, he decided to turn back.
I'm 23 and to echo every comment here I just want to express my gratitude for this story and everything Hammond and Co. Have meant to me in my life. I became an engineer because of top gear, I love cars and bikes because of it and appreciate the beauty of the designs put forth. I just bought my first project motorbike to restore (it doesn't start and is older than me) and I feel like a child at Christmas every time I go into the shed to work on it, I owe a lot to all the top gear presenters but the love and appreciation of bikes is all Hammond. Thanks for the stories mate, glad you didn't walk around that tree. PS. If you like the lake District you'll love Irelands west coast, I've connections in tourism so hit me up if what's next, drivetribe or Hammond himself wants to visit and will be happy to set you up with info and free accomodation, thanks guys.
Why is this not the top comment
Great words and best of luck
Same here. I'm 23 and a mechanical engineer graduated last year and guess what I have a bike which is older than me waiting to be restored(Royal Enfield Bullet). I grew up watching Top Gear and The Grand Tour. Much of my car knowledge come those three old men. I don't even remember when I started watching Top Gear, they were on TV ever since I could remember and I have been following the trio since childhood. I'm very glad that they are still making car shows together and I'm going to shout like Mindy did if they ever stop that.
Also a 23 y/o M.E. with an old project. My project is a 1982 Datsun 280zx. It looks nice and runs well, but I will always want to do something to it. One of my friends also just got a 1983 280zx Turbo that needs some more work,, but its getting there. I think I started watching Top Gear in middle school and its definitely what inspired me to love cars and to appreciate them with the people you care about.
Lovely mate
Thanks Richard.
I was in a similar situation, in a coma for a month and half due to toxic sepsis (flesh eating bacteria). Had a variety of dreams, etc...one of which involved John Travolta driving his blue Chevelle into the carport next to my bed. I asked him what was he doing here, and he said he got this job of delivering medical products to this hospital.
He said he was ahead of schedule, and plopped down and we had a talk. That's it really.
Not afraid of death anymore.
john travolta the medical assistant eliminated your fear of death. sounds like a sentence thats never been spoken before
Necrotizing fasciitis is flesh eating bacteria I thought
This is the most badass thing I've ever read
Nobody ever considers that they will end up in a worse place when they die as a consequence to their sin..
Similar experience - no fear of death for me now either
That just blew me away. I was not ready for that. What an incredible insight into a difficult time. I'm glad Hamster is still with us.
The sense of impending doom. I've never heard it described like this. Absolutely gut wrenching and emotional, but Richard was of course as straight and charismatic as ever through it. Legend, and we're better for having him around still.
One thing that can't be questioned is Hammond's bravery, he has a big pair of brass ones on him. He may be small, but he has done big things. He has faced the tiger and survived. I'm glad he made it back to share his story with the rest of us.
My dad came out of a coma and was convinced a lot of the stuff he dreamt was real. He came out with loads of stories about where he thought he was and what he had witnessed. Took him a long time to come to terms with that stuff not being real.
Yes true! My Dad was in a 3 day coma and when he woke up he was asking about the 3 huskys we had and if our farm was ok. We live in a Town House and have a Cat lol. My Dad never lived on a farm and never had a dog. The mind is very peculiar sometimes.
If he lived it, it was real!!
My mum dreamed of her father dying to a gut repeated diseas. Turned out after a year he had actually stomach cancer… I mean our existence and the universe is a paradox alone there might be crazier things out there than what we could imagine.
@@Mauzipan why is our existence a paradox?!
@@Anarchy-Is-Liberty
This reminds me of my dear Grandad. He told me that the Bible speaks of quiet resting places.
There were loads of prayers said for you.
Glad you are with us today.
Blessings.
Thank you. This past year has been the hardest of my life. And that’s including my 2 tours to Afghanistan & the 6 years I spent there after the military… I’ve been on the verge of “checking out” & the ONLY reason I haven’t is my wife & 2 sons. On occasion I need a message like this to remind myself that I’m not alone. This isn’t only about me. My life means more to those around me than it necessarily may to me. I’m sure I’ve missed the point of the video but this is what it meant to me.
Long story short… thank you for this video.
Indeed, there is always a reason to keep fighting!
You're a CHAMPION!! Dont ever forget that 💪
Coreangalvet: I havent anything vise to say, i just hope you are ok where you are
Keep going bud
hope you're doing alright still, 1 month after this comment. keep on going :)
On Richards journey I can relate too,
At the age of 19 I suffered complete liver failure after a botched gall bladder removal,
I then went through a very major surgery and spent 4 days in a coma hovering between life and death.
Whilst it was 4 days for the world at large - in my mind I experienced an eternity of time unbound and without measure.
Time outside of time ,
with no boundaries or points of reference - my memories are of floating in an unending universe .
its sobering stuff to behold .
I can't describe to you the reader the immense relief I felt when I finally woke in the ICU with the realisation I was alive and I had returned.
its quite the cathartic event.
I know your feeling man!
1st of January 2008 I was in a horrible car crash that ended my dreams of becoming a athlete and a craftsmanship, I was in a coma for 3 months (1 month of the accident and 2 months of induced coma)
In that time a lady all covered in close from head to toes was every day by me and took me to every single happy place that I ever had, we visited the farm I grew up on the most of my life. In reality everyone was trying to keep me alive, and every place I visited was people that came to say there goodbyes at that time.
When it was time to wake up that lady just told me that everything was going to be okay.
Months later people started to tell me what actually happened in hospital and it gave me shills.
When I visited the farm in my dream, that people came to say their farwells, and the same with the rest of the places... When I went back to the ICU to go say thanks to everyone who had been taking care of me I asked them about the lady I saw every day. They said that a few people who were fighting for their lives in that ICU also witnessed her.
Forwarding to the present time, I'm a paraplegic and making every day count as if it's the last day of my life and honering our father that is in heaven for giving me a second chance in life.
These things are hard to grasp but a really interesting subject that i could listen to for hours
That woman in black that you dreamed about is orthodox saint Petka ! She comes to the dreams of people who are in trouble ! My sister had a terrible fall down the stairs a few years ago and she was in a coma for a few days ! She appeared to her in her dreams and gave her comfort and strength to fight and get out of the coma ! I wish you all the best in life !
@@metlabezdrske9988 I was also going to say this!
@@metlabezdrske9988 lol
In June of 2016 I had my 18th birthday in the hospital after being flung out of the back of a pickup truck and my head bounced off the asphalt. I don’t remember exactly how long I was asleep for but it was somewhere between 24 and 72 hours. I can relate to the vivid dream and profound sense of being ok with the fact you will die. My vivid dream lasts just a few seconds, but it was very vivid and it’s simply me flying over a forest like I’m Superman. This video is something else when you can relate to it man. Thanks for sharing the story Hammond.
Thank you Hammond for sharing. I knew of the crashes with the Vampire but did not know that you went into a coma because of it. You detailing the dream you had with the tree and what was really going on in the real world is something powerful.
This was so moving, I've heard this story from Mindy in an interview but it just doesn't hit home as much when you hear Hammond tell it. Glad you made it back home Hammond.
👆>>>
My youngest brother passed away earlier this year. He was in and out of comas and eventually the fight was too much for him and he walked past that tree.
Stay strong people.
My condolenses. That is very sad you must miss him very much.
No. YOU STAY STRONG SIR.
Perhaps he walked to a tree you rarely pass, perhaps he is still there in some way.
Sorry for your loss
This was unbelievably moving, poignant, touching, and truthful. I didn’t expect to be moved to tears by this, but alas, here we are.
what? If so, you'd better not watch videos on NDEs, as they are the real stuff.. that will move you
Your honesty is refreshing. Thank you. I have watched you all my life and I cannot thank you enough for being you, and being real, and being amazing. Thank you.
My Granny’s absolute favourite singer was John Denver, and she’d sing Annie’s Song at all of our big family gatherings. She passed away with dementia surrounded by her kids at her bedside, and listening to Annie’s Song. Something so beautifully poetic about that.
Glad you’re still here, Richard.
Dang, I was in a coma due to a car accident a few years ago. Unfortunately I had no such thoughts, simply forgetting I was existing. To this day I don’t remember waking up or the accident happening, but I do remember the outstanding support of family and friends. Really makes me think much deeper about life and what it truly means. If anything being that close to death only makes me feel more alive and thankful than I ever could have been before. Amazing. Thank you 🙏🏼
If he tells this beautiful story this calm and smiling, then why am I crying like a baby while listening it? 🥺🥺😭
He always suprises me, when he shows his deep, mature, emotianal, "serius" self. But I love him enev more and more with everytime
My mum passed away August 2020. This video gives me hope that when she passed she had somewhere like this to go. Thank you for this Richard Hammond.
Honestly, I'm a 42 years old man in tears 😢! Well said, Sir !
39 and same. And until 10 minutes ago I didn't even know who this was. Just a random video recommendation by UA-cam.
After however many years watching and connected with him it's weird how someone can suddenly feel like a good mate. Who can make grown men cry suddenly. Cheers mate.
Millions of us are grateful that we get to enjoy your humor, wisdom and work. And glad you get to still be a dad. Cheers sir!
my best friend suffered from a life changing concussion when we were 13 and richards story has been a source of hope and inspiration, thank you richard
Wow, just incredible, this was beautiful and really pulled on my heart. I had a similar experience when I was in a coma for 4 days in ITU. So happy Richard pulled through.
Just wondering... do you remember anything from your coma? I love stories like this and was just curious
@@qxtankxp I do, vividly. As Richard says in his experience though, you are just completely pumped with morphine. But I had major heart surgery for a congenital heart defect that had serious consequences, after 9 hours in surgery and major things gone wrong on the operating table I was in a coma for 4 days and a month on itu. I didn't experience walking towards the tree, my experience was walking from the forms of life into formlessness, nothingness. But it wasn't nothingness in a way we understand it, it wasn't empty or void. It was incredible. I can't actually explain it in any way that makes sense. But as I say morphine could be the culprit, when I was out of the coma I was climbing the walls with the morphine 🙂
Little bit teary eyed at this.
Puts into perspective a lot of things.
This video is interesting. I found it exactly when I needed to hear what Hammond had to say. Thanks for that
12 years ago I suffered a serious head injury and spent a week in ICU, I had a 50/50 chance of living but I pulled through but even today I still have memory issues. It changed everything, how I viewed my life.
I suffer from real bad depression from time to time. I take huge inspiration from This video, top gear was a massive part of my child hood and the grand tour onto my teenage years. Just goes to show anyone can come back from the lowest point. Love for the guy.
Same, this video was amazing to watch. It's great how calming it can be.
He’s an incredible story teller. I’ve got a lot of respect for him after these videos. Always liked him as a presenter but never realised he could be quite so poetic.
This touched me deeply. Thank you, Richard. ❤
Videos like this are what make Richard likable for who he is as a person, and not just because he’s famous, he feels like a guy you could be friends with instead of a celebrity to be worshipped
Wow.
What else can I say?
I've had a hard day at work today and that has put everything back into perspective.
Thank you for such a personal memory.
I’m very thankful we didn’t loose you. And I deeply appreciate all the great things you have done.
Wow. What an incredible story! Amazing that Mindy knew how to reach you.
My Dad was in a coma for a couple of weeks. A post-chemo infection. He was septic. They told us to call in a priest, and said his organs were too damaged to be donated. A pastor came. We all went in 2 at a time. He pulled through had a bone marrow transplant and lived 4 more years. He wasn’t a great storyteller so I don’t know what he experienced exactly, but it changed him. He was calmer, more forgiving, more accepting etc etc. Hard to describe really, but he experienced something that altered his outlook.
I hope it’s many many years before you go around the tree. I’d be willing to bet that when you do, if your family need to feel close to you they will be able to go to that tree and feel your presence, because you’ll be just above the branches watching them.
You might want to ask him if he experienced an NDE. My father had one when he went into a coma after going septic from brain surgery. He had a life review (which is common in NDE’s) and was told he needed to do more on Earth and was sent back.
@@hofahome ummm, no can do I’m afraid. He lived 4 more years after that but the leukaemia came back and he died 10 years ago now. He was very grateful for his 4 extra years as he got to see his grandchildren grow up more and they all remember him well now, and he definitely made a big difference particularly to one of my nephews who still now thinks about whether his actions would make Grandpa proud (and they would, he’s become an amazingly kind and generous young man). So maybe he needed to stay until that nephew had what he needed. Or maybe Mum needed him for longer. I’m sure Mum knows more about what he experienced but she’s never chosen to talk about it in detail so I’m not going to pry. He was different after it though so something definitely happened.
This is such a moving video. I always remember that night in 2006 when I saw your face on the 10 o'clock news and I went to bed dreading what I might hear the next morning, wondering whether you'd pulled through or whether Top Gear was about to change forever. I remember the amazement when not that long later you were sitting up in your hospital bed eating cornflakes. The amount of messages that poured in, praying for your recovery was incredible. It just showed how much people liked you and enjoyed what you do. I was so moved by your book about the experience (On the Edge) and admired the way you came back to Top Gear and bravely carried on. I'm so pleased you've been able to see your girls grow up, and to be with your family, and also to continue bringing us fantastic adventures with Jeremy and James and all the other great work you've done. Thank you for sharing this video with us.
I dont want these videos to stop, he's got a good way of telling these stories.
I’m not one for commenting on a video, but 3 times in the last 24 hours I have come back to watch this. It hits different.
As a role model to me growing up, seeing you put together those powerful words & dig up your past to share with us has brought out emotions in me that I didn’t know I had.
Thank you for sharing with us, more people should see this.
As someone who was in a 27 day coma I can relate to this deep story. I had a very terrible experience and remember all of the years in my coma very vividly.
I have heard horror stories about experiences in comas. Glad you’re awake with us!
Interesting… so you lived years within the 27 days. Sounds very much like Inception.
Sometimes, I’ll have a dream and it feels like forever has gone by but I had only hit snooze 5 minutes ago.
I was in a coma for 5 days and I don’t remember a thing. I’m not sure I wish I did remember, I’m just unsure how I feel about it I suppose. I hope you’re doing well.
I’ve heard a lot of people have such vivid experiences in comas that they wake up and have difficulty telling if they’re actually awake or still in the coma.
Me also. 3 weeks Coma with wonderful dreams and voyages that I remember vividly. Beautiful places etc.
AND when I woke up and the first questions people asked - when the breathing tube was taken out.
Unfortunately Mr Hammond writes that he ripped his out. Well. I wish he can sleep with that.
I don’t have a coma story but thank you Hammond for sharing that story. I’m so happy that you recovered. I remember when it happened and everybody was worried for you. It was really heartfelt when we heard your costars talking about you. It really shows how much of a bond you guys have on the show and I’m so happy you guys were able to stay together
This video has been recommended so many times, finally sitting in my car eating a quick lunch scarfing down my meal I decide to watch this quick 4 minute video. Was not expecting to have this many emotions swirling around. A true gift this trio have been, together and individually.
Brought a little tear to my eye Richard when you told how your wife shouted at you not to die, made me stop and think for a moment, I'm glad you shared this with us
Story brought a tear to my eye. Touching tale of love, life, and things beyond us and the powers that keep us here.