A Scots biker who shattered so many bones in a horror crash that his X-ray looked like "a packet of crisps" now faces learning how to walk again. Charlie Phillips was riding on a friend's motorcycle in Edinburgh on May 10 when a car pulled out in front of him, causing him to collide with the rear passenger door.
He was catapulted him 30 feet into a railing before landing on the pavement, knocking him unconscious for 24 hours. The 32-year-old broke both his legs in the collision, suffered a smashed pelvis and shattered arm as well as broken ribs and chest bone.
Shocking pictures taken at the scene show the motorbike he was riding lying in a pool of blood. And his X-rays show the extreme extent of his injuries, with his bones smashed into many pieces.
After being rushed to hospital, Charlie had a metal rod inserted in his tibia, a metal rod in his arm and a frame in his hip and pelvis during surgery which lasted eight hours. He was discharged from hospital on May 22.
A fundraiser has now been set up to help provide Charlie with financial support as he recovers from the crash, which took place on Ferry Road, Edinburgh, where he lives. The keen motorcyclist said he can't wait to get back out on the road and back to his job that he just started before the collision.
He is back in his home but depends on his mum and sister for care. Police Scotland have launched an investigation into the crash.
Charlie said: "I will need to learn to walk again as part of my rehabilitation. How long it will take varies from person to person - some surgeons have said three to six months, others have said it could be longer and there could be lifelong complications.
"You can be the best rider in the world but it depends on the drivers around you. I've worked as a mechanic for 16 years so sitting around isn't in my nature. When it's sunny outside and it's a beautiful day you need to get outside. It's been motivating me.
"I try to challenge myself and keep myself moving. Since being at home I'm in a wheelchair and I've progressed from one crutch to two.
"My left arm was so badly broken I couldn't put any pressure on it. It was shattered and it might need more surgery, there's so many fractures there's a chance of one not healing.
"The best way I can describe the way it looked on x-rays was like a packet of crisps - there's too many fractures to name. My sister and mum pop by in alternate shifts.
"It's been life changing for me as I've hardly had a sick day in 16 years. It's different relying on people, needing people to do things for you. The bike was borrowed from a friend and was completely written off."
He said his work couldn't have been more supportive, and he was stunned by the generosity of bikers, who he described as "a brotherhood". Charlie, who faces months of rehabilitation, added: "I'm just thankful it wasn't my head or neck.
"I got into motorbikes three years ago, when I turned 30. I was a car mechanic for 15 years and just started a job before the crash. As soon as I started riding bikes my life completely changed. It opens up a whole world of possibilities for travelling.
"All I can think about is getting back on my bike, and getting back to work. I sustained some memory loss so I don't actually remember the accident at all. I can stand upright near the sink and in the shower, things like that but I'm not able to step forward or walk just yet."
Speaking about the fundraiser, which has seen £2,515 raised so far, Charlie said: "It brought me to tears - I never expected anything like that. Dominika Babalska and the rest of the group I've been riding with - I've only known them for nine months.
"I knew they were amazing, kind-hearted people but their response was amazing - I've never had that kind of feeling before. The outpouring of love, support and messages is typical of the biker community."
A spokesman for Police Scotland said: "Road Policing officers in Edinburgh are appealing for information and witnesses following a serious crash on Ferry Road, Edinburgh involving a car and a motorbike. The incident, involving a silver Hyundai Ioniq and a purple Suzuki GSR, took place at the junction with Muirhouse Green, around 8.40pm on Wednesday, May 10, 2023.
"As a result of the incident the 32-year-old male rider was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh where his condition is described as critical. The male driver of the car and a male passenger were also taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment, and the road was closed for around five hours."
Sergeant Stephen Quinn from Edinburgh Road Policing said: "We are appealing for anyone who was in the area around this time and who witnessed the crash or the vehicles involved to contact us. We are particularly keen to hear from the occupants of a grey SUV which was on the road around the time and who may be able to assist us.
"I would also ask anyone who was on the road at the time and who may have dash cam footage which could assist us to get in touch."
To donate to the fundraiser, click here.
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