Crash cyclist Ian tells of recovery

QUOTE:
A keen cyclists (SIC) who spent seven weeks in hospital following a crash has spoken out about how getting back on his bike aided his recovery.

Ian McCrickard, of Egremont, was driving on the A5086 with his two children in the car when they were involved in a head-on collision in October 2018.

He lost consciousness and sustained severe orthopaedic injuries, as well as a minor head injury.

Mr McCrickard, 47, and his two sons had to be airlifted to hospital. His sons also sustained serious injuries, requiring several weeks in hospital. Mr McCrickard remained in hospital for over seven weeks.

Following the accident, he asked expert serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate what happened and help him access specialist therapies to aid with his recovery.

His legal team secured him a rehabilitation package which included funding for an exercise bike. This helped increase the range of movement in his knees and also allowed him to revisit cycling.

At the time of the accident, Mr McCrickard’s initial injuries included an open fracture to his right shin-bone, a fracture involving his left knee joint, lacerations to his fingers, and a cut to his right eyelid.

In February 2019, he was diagnosed with a muscle tear to his left shoulder and a fractured big toe that had been caused by the accident.

Mr McCrickard, who used to enjoy going on long bike rides over the fells near his home, was worried that he would be unable to continue cycling. He cancelled a cycling holiday which was booked for the following year.

However, his lawyers successfully secured funds for a Wattbike exercise bicycle as the first stage of his rehabilitation. In April 2020, he upgraded to an electric bicycle, which allows him to get out and work on his muscles and fitness levels. It also means he can join his friends on bike rides.

The nuclear plant worker said: “The injuries I suffered in the accident have had a lasting effect and I am still not back to how I was before, but I am getting better every day.

“When the accident happened, I was really worried that I would never be able to live normally again and enjoy the things I used to, but with the support of my loved ones, I have managed to get back into cycling.

“At the start of my rehab process, I could only use an indoor bike, but I really missed my friends and the camaraderie.

“Gradually I increased my fitness and I can now use my e-bike which means I can cycle outdoors with my friends, like I used to. The bike helps me manage the hills and distance if I start struggling.

“While nothing will change what happened to me, I am glad to be on the road to recovery, and I believe the bikes have been a big help with this.�

Mr McCrickard is now joining with the legal experts to mark Cycling UK’s Bike Week, which runs from June 6 to 14 and showcases the benefits of the activity.

Adele Jepson, specialist serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, said: “The past 18 months have been incredibly difficulty for Ian as he continues to recover from what was undoubtedly a terrifying ordeal.

“Through our work we sadly see many people seriously injured as a result of accidents on the roads. However, Ian is determined to battle through his injuries, aided by the support of his family.

“Ian was a keen cyclist before he was involved in the collision, so it is fantastic to see him getting back to into it and also using it to assist his recovery with the help of specialist bikes.

“With Bike Week upon us, Ian’s story is an important reminder on the benefits of cycling and what can be achieved when you set your mind to it.�

https://www.timesandstar.co.uk/news/...ells-recovery/