Doctors didn't think a man would survive following a horrific motorcycle crash.
Alan Evans, from Huyton, was travelling on the M53 on his way to his job when he took "the wrong turning" and crashed into steel rods. It left the 51-year-old with horrific injuries, including a shattered pelvis and he was placed in an induced coma.
An emergency services worker who was passing the scene rushed to help Alan and he was transferred to Aintree Hospital. Doctors didn't think Alan would survive and his first operation lasted 10 hours. He also needed seven blood transfusions.
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Speaking to the ECHO, friend Susan Mitzman spoke about Alan's ordeal. she said: "Just six weeks before the accident he landed a job as a support worker, working with children and adults with mental health and physical needs. It was his absolute dream job, he was loving it.
"Then on his way to work on his motorcycle, he turned off at the wrong turning. No one else was involved, and he just went hurtling into what I think was these steel rods.
"They thought they were going to lose him. It's only because they had one of the best vascular surgeons there that they managed to save him. He needs more surgery in the future."
Alan has remained in hospital for three months and since the crash has had five surgeries. His pelvis was completely shattered and he's fighting long-term pelvic infections which are proving difficult to treat.
Susan said the 51-year-old has been learning how to walk again and managed to take a few steps with crutches this week.
She added: "When I first went to see him and I think he was in an induced coma and he was absolutely surrounded by [machines]. I have never seen so much equipment in my life and I was just told his pelvis was completely shattered, beyond broken.
"Some organs were damaged and he still has a huge amount of infection which they can't get rid of. I wasn't sure at that point whether he would ever walk again or whether he had a brain injury.
"He has no brain injury, he isn't paralysed - which is extraordinary - he has just started to walk a few steps with the aid of crutches in the last few days."
But just as Alan was starting to see small improvements in hospital, he was dealt another blow after being let go from his "dream job" a week ago.
Susan said it is unclear what life will look like for Alan in the future, but said "just the fact he survived is extraordinary." She has now set up a GoFundMe page to help Alan with costs during his long recovery. Funds will go towards an orthopaedic chair, and adaptations to his home.
Speaking about her friend, Susan told the ECHO: "He is a kind, kind man and would do anything for anyone. He is very thoughtful. He has a real social conscience and was so excited about this job because he nursed his mother before she died and he is a natural carer and gives a lot to other people."
Alan also thanked charity Day One Trauma who he said "have been amazing in the help they have provided". He added the staff and treatment he has received at Aintree Hospital has been "first class and life saving".
Volunteers at Day One Trauma have been so impressed with how Alan has been dealing with his recovery they also want him to become a mentor and help others like him overcome major trauma.
To donate to the GoFundMe page to help Alan, please click here.
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