CRASH VICTIM’S BIKE STOLEN BY THIEVES
FAMILY SPEAK OUT AS POLICE HUNT TWO MEN WHO STOLE MOTORCYCLE FOLLOWING SERIOUS CRASH
THIS is Bradley Chipling fighting for his life in hospital – almost a month after heartless crooks stole his motorbike as he lay seriously injured on a road after crash.
His devastated family have spoken out for the first time as police continue a hunt for two men.
One of them, who was on a black moped, was seen to ride past Bradley after the crash before returning on the moped with a pillion passenger, who then rode away on Bradley’s bike. They didn’t dial 999 or attempt to raise the alarm in anyway – leaving Bradley alone and critically ill.
A passing black cab driver stopped and alerted emergency services, with Bradley’s family saying the mystery Good Samaritan’s actions undoubtedly saved his life.
Tragically, the crash in Gorton happened just hours after Bradley’s grandfather’s funeral.
His family say ‘no one knows what the future holds’ for him, but have now launched a fundraising campaign to help his fight back to recovery.
He tore his carotid artery in the crash, which caused a stroke and led to extensive brain damage. The family also revealed on Just Giving he is permanently paralysed down one side of his body and also suffered damage to his internal organs.
His partner, Sapphire Hardy, 29, said: “We just want to be able to give him everything he needs to help aid his recovery, making his home mobility-friendly ready for when he can finally return home and making this time a little less stressful for him and his family. Brad lost a great deal that day. Lets show him that humanity still exists.”
His family has given the M.E.N. permission to use the image of Bradley in hospital.
Bradley, 28, a bespoke cabinet maker, travelled from his home in Stourport-upon-Severn, north Worcestershire, to attend his grandfather’s funeral in Crewe.
After comforting his grandmother and leaving her to sleep at her home on the evening of the funeral, he left to visit friends in Manchester.
But after setting back off in the early hours to be with his grandmother before she woke, he hit a lamppost at the junction of Mount Road and Kirkmanshulme Lane, in Gorton.
It happened between 5.30am and 5.45am on Saturday, June 23.
Police said: “While lying on the floor, immediately after the crash, two males approached him but instead of trying to help, stole his motorbike. One of them, believed to be white, was on a long black moped, possibly a 56 or 48 plate. He was wearing a black helmet.
“He was seen riding past the scene, alone, before returning with a second male who then stole the bike. The second male was described as white, aged around 17, 5ft 5in tall and of skinny build. He had black hair and was clean shaven.”
Sapphire said the family have been at his bedside at Salford Royal Hospital ever since.
Speaking of the theft she told the M.E.N.: “You would not treat an animal like they treated Brad.
“For someone not to show the courtesy to another human being and not make that phone call, it’s terrible. Because he was left there for so long, the damage is irreparable.”
Detective Constable Nick Kershaw described the theft as ‘the lowest of the low’ and released an image of Bradley’s motorbike, a distinctive black and orange 125 KTM trialsstyle bike, with the registration number WD14 DBO. It’s still missing.
He said: “This is a despicable crime, I just don’t know how anyone could leave a person for dead and steal their belongings, the thought of it makes me feel sick.”
Police confirmed there have been no arrests and enquiries were continuing.
Call police on 0161 856 1146 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
To donate to the JustGiving appeal, visit www.justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/sapphire-hardy