A biker in Edinburgh has told how he was "catapulted 30 feet in the air" after a horror smash with a private hire car on a busy road in Leith as he was riding home from work.
The incident took place on May 10 on Ferry Road just metres from Charlie Phillips' door. His worried sister heard the screeching of tyres and ran out to find her brother unconscious on the road.
Charlie Phillips, 32, had broken several bones and was rushed to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh where he spent 12 days fighting of life.
READ MORE - Horrifying moment West Lothian car with 'mother and daughter' flips on busy street
The motorbike mechanic is now recovering well at home and is hoping to get back on his bike before summer kicks off.
Speaking to Edinburgh Live Charlie said: "I was coming home from work at around 8.40pm along Ferry Road, and a private hire came out of Muirhouse Green, I don't have much memory of it.
"Pretty much the whole day was a blur I have just been trying to piece together details from what the police and witnesses said.
"I hit the rear passenger door and paramedics said I was catapulted about 30 feet over the taxi where I landed on the pavement and hit my neck off the railings. I was so lucky not to have any serious head or neck injuries."
He continued: "The paramedics arrived and my sister had heard the screech of the tyres and the impact of the crash so she came running out of the house.
"She knew something had happened because she knows the sound of my bike pulling in and was expecting me home from work.
"I was unconscious for a few minutes and then remember riding in the ambulance and tilting my head up to try and speak to my mum. I was rushed to hospital and in surgery for eight hours - when I finally came round it was Thursday evening.
"Because I had been unconscious then straight into surgery I lost a day and was confused, I was in the hospital and thought the crash had just happened.
"I broke my right tibia with one clean break, the bone in my left arm was completely shattered, I dislocated my hip bone and was cracked. The X-Ray looked like a packet of crisps that had been smashed into pieces."
Charlie is still off work recuperating and has no return date. He spent over a week in hospital to gain strength and mobility after the surgery.
He said: "I was in the critical injuries ward then in major trauma for 12 days in total. I'm at home recovering well now with my mum and sister on rotation looking after me but it's still difficult to get around.
"It was a hugely traumatic experience for my mum who is keen to move past it and focus on my recovery. I had a hospital appointment yesterday and went for a walk through the park since it was such a nice day.
"I have been biking for three years and absolutely love it. It's the best thing for me, I work as a motorbike mechanic which is my dream job - I told my boss I'd do it for free I love it so much.
"The community is amazing - they will do anything for you and are so accepting. The support from the biking community has been amazing."
Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox
A police investigation is ongoing. 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.”Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 3943 of 10 May, 2023.
A good friend of the biker, Dominika Babalska has also set up a fundraising page to support Charlie through his recovery. She said: "Our hearts stopped when we received the news and even the toughest of us were brought to tears.
"It will take many tough months if not years for a recovery. He is the kindest and most selfless person we know. He is always there to help or lend a hand, day or night. No task is too big, no favour too great. A true friend."
You can find more information and donate to the fundraising page here.
READ NEXT:
Bruce Springsteen Edinburgh tickets still available for BT Murrayfield gig
The hidden gem beer garden near Edinburgh at the top of Tripadvisor ratings
Edinburgh's West Fan Village opens for Bruce Springsteen at BT Murrayfield
Phillip Schofield's generous 'gift to ex-boyfriend that came back to bite him'
Man gets 'ultimate revenge' on neighbour who fined him for parking on driveway
