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Outlook: The 80s song that brought back my memories

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Collage of pictures of Thomas Leeds' brain scans, as a child and recently in hospital getting tests

28/07/2021 GMT

The 80s song that brought back my memories

BBC World Service - Outlook, The 80s song that brought back my memories

A car accident wiped all of Thomas Leeds' memories and he had to start again

A car accident wiped away all of Thomas Leeds' childhood memories until a song from the 80s triggered something extraordinary 10 years later

In the aftermath of a car accident at 19 years old, Thomas Leeds was left with no memories of his childhood, of his family and friends, even cultural references were all wiped away.  As Thomas began to rebuild his life he struggled with thoughts about his future because, he says, he didn't know where he'd come from. He became obsessed with the popular culture of the 80s and 90s — the era of his childhood — hoping something would trigger his memory. Then, aged 30 while planning the perfect playlist for his 80s-themed birthday party, a song suddenly unlocked memories that had been lost for 10 years. 

You can follow Thomas' story on twitter @thomasleeds

Picture: Collage of pictures of Thomas Leeds' brain scans, as a child and recently in hospital getting tests
Credit: All photos courtesy of Thomas Leeds

Presenter: Emily Webb
Producer: Mariana des Forges

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