Motorcyclist who lost a leg and use of a hand in Sleaford crash returns specially new adapted home after year in care

Motorcyclist Andrew Pearson suffered life-changing seriously including a brain injury, fractures, dislocated joints and nerve damage when a car pulled out in front of him in Sleaford.

The 50-year-old had to have his right leg amputated above the knee and nerve damage means he has lost the use of his left hand, but he has now marked a major milestone in his recovery after returning home following a year in care.

Andrew was riding his Suzuki GS500E motorbike along London Road just after 4pm on November 29, 2019, when a car pulled out in front of him near the junction with Town Road.

The biker was taken to Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham. He underwent a number of operations, but doctors were unable to save his right leg.

Andrew was transferred to Lincoln County Hospital in February. In July, he was moved to STEPS Rehabilitation Centre in Sheffield for further rehabilitation before moving home in December.

Before the collision, Andrew was a lorry driver and enjoyed running, cycling, karate, swimming, circuit training and dancing, as well as fixing cars and motorbikes. He will be unable to return to his job because of his injuries.

Andrew, who is married to Anthea, said: “While my family visited as much as they could there was a lot of time by myself, particularly during lockdown, when it was difficult not to think about what happened and the impact it’s had.

“Coming to terms with what happened and how life would be different for us all was difficult and there were some hard times. However, I’ve always been fit and active so drawing on that and setting myself the goal of getting home to Anthea and the kids really motivated me.”

Following the crash, Andrew instructed expert serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate and help him access the specialist rehabilitation and therapies he now needs.

Andrew’s legal team has secured a substantial interim payment to fund his rehabilitation and allow the family to buy a specially adapted home to meet his needs after spending around eight months in hospital and a further four in a specialist rehabilitation centre.

Andrew, Anthea and their children moved into their new home in Sleaford, just in time for Christmas.

Irwin Mitchell’s conveyancing team assisted the family in buying their new home. The law firm’s court of protection team is also helping to ensure the funds are protected and used specifically for Andrew’s recovery.

Andrew said: “I can’t thank everyone enough for all they’ve done to help and support me. The care I received has been first class but I’m so happy to be home.

“It means I can look to be more independent and start doing more things for myself; even things like just making a cup of tea and getting dressed, which people take for granted.

“It’s been a difficult year for everyone but we’re determined to try and make the most of life and I’m focused on making more progress in my recovery.”

Anthea added: “When we were told Andrew had been in a crash and of his injuries, we feared the worst. Seeing him in hospital like that was heart-breaking.

“He’s always been really outgoing and sociable so to have that taken away in a split second was incredibly hard.

“We can’t be more proud of Andrew and the determination he’s shown to get this far. It’s almost impossible to put into words what it means to have him back home with his family.”

Ian Whittaker, the serious injury legal expert at Irwin Mitchell representing Andrew, said: “The terrible injuries Andrew suffered in the collision have changed his life forever. While he’s made great progress in his recovery, he still faces many challenges ahead.

“We’re pleased that Andrew is back with his family and that they’re enjoying settling into their new home. While the care he’s received over the last year has been first class, getting Andrew home and into a property that will meet his needs is a major milestone in his recovery.

“Nothing can turn the clock back, but we’re determined to keep supporting Andrew to ensure that his family have the security they need and Andrew receives the much-needed care he also needs to continue his recovery.”