A biker has told how medics 'regrew' part of his leg after he was left in a wheelchair following an horrific crash. John Castleton was badly injured when a car pulled out of a side road and smashed into his motorbike in Metchley Lane, Harborne, in June 2018.
His left leg was crushed between the car and his bike causing multiple fractures, vascular and soft tissue damage, and blood loss. He was rushed to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery on his leg, losing four centimetres of bone.
He had six more lengthy operations, spent a total of seven weeks in hospital and needed a wheelchair to get around. John was also warned by consultants he may need a below-the-knee amputation in future.
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Medics put his leg in a frame for 12 months to ‘stretch’ it and allow him to regrow almost four centimetres of lost bone and boost the healing process. He then had to undergo knee surgery.
John, from Edgbaston, suffered a further setback when consultants discovered his left tibia was bending and his leg needed more further extensive surgery to re-set it. The external ‘fixator frame’ was put back on his leg for another year.
He spoke of his ordeal to mark this week's Road Safety Week and to back the Think Bike! safety campaign. The 66-year-old, who is married to Sandra, said he “faced many obstacles” but was making “steady progress with my recovery”.
“The road to recovery hasn’t been easy, but I’m getting there slowly and I’m determined to keep it up," he said. "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."
In October 2021, as part of his rehabilitation and at the recommendation of his occupational therapist, John started using a hand-cycle at Solihull Wheels for All, a charity that provides inclusive cycling for all, with adaptive bikes. He said: "I’ve 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.”
He previously worked as an NHS counselling psychologist but was not able to return to the role following the crash. But he has resumed yoga – on an adapted basis - which he practised for many years before his injuries. He has also started voluntary work with two charities.
John instructed personal injury lawyers, Irwin Mitchell, to being a claim against the driver responsible and to gain access to the specialist rehabilitation he needed. The law firm helped secure an undisclosed settlement from the car driver’s insurance company.
WARNING - graphic photo of John's leg injury could be upsetting below
He said: “I’ve been taught to use a hand-cycle, which has helped me to start to regain my strength and confidence”. He has also featured in a poster for Solihull Council ’s “On The Move, So Go!” cycling campaign and is about to start volunteering for SWFA.
“I’m delighted and privileged to have played a part in the Solihull “So Go!” campaign," he said. "I hope I can inspire people like myself who may be struggling with movement, to help improve both their physical and mental health.
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“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 want it to act as a warning to drivers to take care on the roads at all times and ‘Think Bike!.
“My life changed in a split second, and I wouldn’t want anyone else suffering like I have.”
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Toni Knott, specialist serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, said: “The past five years have been incredibly difficult for John as he comes to terms with the life-changing injuries he suffered that day.
“However, he has shown such determination and motivation to overcome his ordeal and move forward with his recovery. With the help of Sandra and his family, he’s worked hard on his rehabilitation and was chosen to be involved in a campaign to inspire people to become healthier and happier by moving more.
“While nothing can ever make up for what John has been through, we’re continuing to ensure he has access to the ongoing care and therapies he needs to maximise his recovery.
“He also wanted to share his story as a stark reminder to take care on the roads and for drivers to ‘Think Bike!’. Through our work, we far too often see innocent road users left facing the devastating consequences of the actions of others.”
More information about Road Safety Week is available from charity Brake at https://www.brake.org.uk/road-safety-week
