‘I was very lucky, injuries could have been worse’
Biker was not wearing protective clothing when he crashed
A 20-year-old man from Ruislip has issued a serious warning to motorcyclists after he suffered brutal injuries during a crash in Eastcote that left him needing surgery.
Simon Rowley was riding his Yamaha 125cc bike along Field End Road alongside a friend, also on a bike, at about 5.50pm on July 20 when he was forced to brake suddenly and lost control.
Wearing just a T-shirt, shorts and trainers, Simon was knocked unconscious by the impact, landed on his chest and sliding across a patch of grass.
When he regained consciousness, it became apparent that he broken his left ankle.
Simon is now using his traumatic experience as a warning to motorcyclists to always wear protective clothing.
He said: “I do not wish to see or hear about any other accidents like this happening because I was very lucky to have sustained the injuries I have.
“It could have been worse as I was told that I was 10cm away from hitting my head on a pole and my injuries could have been a lot more serious.
“My message to other motorcyclists is that whether you’ve been riding for many years or you have only just started riding, please protection.”
After the crash, Simon was taken to Hillingdon Hospital in Uxbridge by ambulance for X-rays.
The following evening, on Thursday July 21, he had surgery to treat three wear puncture wounds.
Simon had suffered a broken ankle, two broken toes, three puncture wounds, lost a patch of skin on his left foot and leg, and shattered his foot.
Narrowly avoiding a second operation for the broken foot, Simon said it will be months before he is walking again.
Simon added: “I have been a motorcyclist for three years and this is now the ninth and worst accident I have been involved in.
“This one time I wear shorts and a T-shirt, I have a really bad accident and I’m told that my recovery to walk properly again will take months.”
Now back at home after being discharged from hospital on August 2 2, after almost two weeks there, Simon is already thinking about getting back on his bike.
He said: “My motorcycle hasn’t sustained much damage but after a brand new paint job, which isn’t finished yet, will have to be redone and new parts will have to be ordered which will cost quite a lot of money.”
My message to other motorcyclists is that whether you’ve been riding for many years or only just started – please wear protection”