John Castleton spent seven weeks in hospital, needed a wheelchair to get around and has been unable to return to work since the accident (Picture: Irwin Mitchell/SWNS)
A motorcyclist who nearly lost a leg after being crushed by a car in a horror crash five years ago has finally received a payout to help fund his ongoing rehabilitation.
John Castleton, 66, suffered catastrophic injuries to his left leg and foot when the car pulled out in front of him while he was riding through Harborne, Birmingham, in June 2018.
He had several fractures along with vascular and soft tissue damage, blood loss and lost 4cm of bone from the limb.
John almost lost his leg entirely but surgeons were able to save it during emergency surgery followed by another six lengthy operations at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
He spent seven weeks in hospital, needed a wheelchair to get around and has been unable to return to work since the accident.
John’s leg was also placed in a special metal frame for two years to stretch his leg, re-growing nearly 4cm of lost bone to aid the healing process.
Serious injury lawyers Irwin Mitchell have now secured him an undisclosed settlement from the car driver’s insurance company to help fund his rehabilitation.
John pictured before his motorcycle accident (Picture: Irwin Mitchell/SWNS)
His leg was crushed in the crash (Picture: Irwin Mitchell/SWNS)
John almost lost his leg but surgeons were able to save the limb during emergency surgery followed by another six lengthy operations at Queen Elizabeth Hospital (Picture: Irwin Mitchell/SWNS)
John, of Edgbaston, who previously worked as an NHS counselling psychologist, said: ‘The road to recovery hasn’t been easy, but I’m getting there slowly and I’m determined to keep it up.
‘I can see some light at the end of the tunnel.
‘As a result of my ongoing rehabilitation, the risk of losing my leg has greatly reduced, which is a huge relief to me.
‘On the days when it feels too difficult or painful to exercise, I remind myself of this.
‘I’ve also had the most amazing support from Sandra, our family and friends, many professionals and SWFA, without which I would have never got to where I am now.
‘I’m delighted and privileged to have played a part in the Solihull “So Go!” campaign.
‘I hope I can inspire people like myself who may be struggling with movement, to help improve both their physical and mental health.
John suffered multiple fractures and crush injuries to his left leg and foot (Picture: Irwin Mitchell/SWNS)
‘By volunteering with SWFA, I also want to give something back to the charity which has helped me with my recovery.
‘At every hand-cycling session, I get so much more than exercise.
‘While I’m still not certain what my future holds, I know I’m lucky to be alive and to still have my left leg.
‘Sharing my story is my way of saying thank you to everyone who has been by my side, and I also …read more
Source:: Metro
