How Bridlington man's motorcycle crash changed his life with a 'second chance'

Sam, who at the time was employed as a sheet metal worker at a local factory, finished his shift early and hopped on his streetfighter-style Triumph Speed Triple motorcycle to head home.

While Sam was weaving through bumper to bumper traffic, a car pulled out suddenly to access a slip road, ploughing straight into him.

He was thrown from his bike, which was later found in three pieces, and passers-by including an off-duty police officer quickly took action to call the emergency services.

Sam suffered serious injuries, including a number of fractured vertebrae, broken femur, nose, collarbone, shoulder and ribs along with many other scrapes and cuts to his skin.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance dispatched one of its helicopters and after an assessment at the scene, Sam was flown to Hull Royal Infirmary, where he received life-saving surgery before being placed into a medically induced coma for a week.

At the age of 24, Sam's life was forever altered when his leg was amputated below the knee after doctors were unable to preserve it during his two months in hospital.

Sam remembers how consultants originally told his family that his injuries were so severe that, at the time of admission, it was ‘touch and go’ as to whether or not he would survive.

He was determined once he was home to commit to his physiotherapy, with his main goal to return to work.

“When I was in hospital, time felt like a blur, but I knew when I was back home that would be when the real work really had to take place,” says Sam. “I was keen to get back to work and have my normal life again.”

Sam reached his goal to return to work after an intensive 18-month recovery. However, as his life gradually regained a sense of normality, he felt his outlook on life had changed forever.

“I had a fresh perspective on life, and I knew there was so much out there to see… I came so close to death that I felt I had a second chance. It was time to make a change, and see the world.”

It was during his adventures across the globe that Sam met the love of his life, Amber, and the pair were soon married.

The couple spent nearly five years backpacking around Europe, Asia and America before returning to the UK to settle down. During this time, Sam also gained his personal helicopter licence and now relishes the opportunity to fly - only tnow, under much happier circumstances.

Speaking about his travel memories, Sam said: “Sure, it would be amazing to have my leg back, but the things I have gone on to do and the people I have met and places I have seen have been incredible, and I wouldn’t have done them if I didn’t have my accident. If I still had my leg, I probably wouldn’t have met my wife, which seems so crazy to me!’”

Today, Sam works for Fletchers Group, a law firm which is dedicated to supporting individuals with life-changing injuries, as charity and partnerships coordinator.

Sam said: “Without Yorkshire Air Ambulance, I honestly believe I wouldn’t be here today. The team were instrumental in getting me to hospital as fast as they did. Although I don’t remember much from the day, I cannot thank each and every person for their help, you have my utmost respect and gratitude.”

The charity operates seven days a week, 365 days a year, as patients are transferred to the nearest major trauma centre, flying at speeds of up to 160 mph.

It currently costs £19,000 per day to maintain and operate the YAA’s two Airbus H145 Helicopters, says the independent charity.

Sam said: “To anybody who may find themselves in a similar situation to myself, and facing life as an amputee, just know – don’t give up on life. Things will get better, and I am living proof that with the right mindset, life can be an incredible thing, even without my leg!”

To support the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, visit www.yaa.org.uk.