Great North Air Ambulance Service

Motorcyclist back on his feet seven months after serious crash

Published by Jim Entwistle on Thursday, February 28, 2013

A man is counting his blessings as he is back on his feet again after seven months of being unable to walk.

Thomas Powell, who lives at Armathwaite, near Carlisle, was travelling on his motorcycle on his way home from work at Southwaite Services when a car pulled out in front of him and he crashed into the side of the vehicle.

The 22-year-old suffered a snapped femur and the Great North Air Ambulance flew him to Newcastle Royal Victoria Infirmary. One week after the incident, which happened on July 4 last year, he was transferred to Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle where he had a femoral pin placed in his leg and he remained there for a further week.

He was in a wheelchair for one and a half months and had to move back in with his mother at his hometown of Liverpool as he needed taxis to and from places, which he found difficult and costly living in the rural area.

Thomas has only just regained the full use of his legs after a long stint of crutches helping him to get around.

He said: “Not being able to walk dramatically changed my life. I’m so glad to be back on my feet again after seven long months. I am truly grateful for all that the air ambulance did for me that day. They talked me through everything and made sure I was calm. I can’t thank the paramedics and everyone who’s lent me a hand enough.”

Despite only recently getting back on his feet Thomas plans to do a sponsored run in aid of the charity once he has fully recovered.    

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