Crash causes major life changes for motorcyclist

A MOTORCYCLIST knocked off his bike by a U-turning driver had to quit his job — and still might still need his left arm amputated.

Dad-of-two Karlos Bingham was heading to work on the A57 when he suffered life-changning injuries including spinal fractures, a broken shoulder blade and collarbone, a fractured rib and severe nerve damage in his arm.

The 30-year-old bicycle mechanic from Aston, who had worked with Team GB, spent nearly three weeks at the Northern General and needed several ops.

Karlos, who has two daughters — Miley (11) and Lilia (8) — with fiancée Beth Senior (27), said: “I remember riding to work and the next thing I woke up lying on the road with people surrounding me.

“Once in hospital the severity of what happened really started to sink in. Beth and the girls were tearful for weeks and the collision really affected them.

It’s still difficult to come to terms with how our family has changed.

“Before the crash, I loved going to work and even when I wasn’t working I liked to keep myself busy.

“I would tinker in the shed mending bikes and would help people in the area repair their bikes.

“I’d also worked with Team GB Cycling as a race mechanic on a seasonal basis.

“I’d travelled across Europe and to be able to do this had always been a dream. “Having to give up such an opportunity was devastating.

“Since the collision, I’ve not been able to go to work or do any of the hobbies I enjoyed.

“My employer has been brilliant with me but I fear whether I will be able to return to work.”

Karlos still suffers severe pain in his left arm

— and is reliant on Beth to help fasten buttons or zips. Doctors say it might need to be amputated.

“I used to help get the girls ready for school and pride myself on being a dad who could plait their hair,” he said, “but I’m unable to do this now.

“I try to put a brave face on but do worry about the future.

“I was the breadwinner for my family and in a split-second everything has changed.

“I just hope that by sharing my story it reminds people to be safe on the roads and to especially be aware of motorcyclists and cyclists.”

The driver who caused the collision was told to pay £836 and given seven penalty points by magistrates in Sheffield.

Injury lawyers Irwin Mitchell are now pursuing a civil case and have appealed for witnesses or footage from the collision, which happened at 7.40am on April 27, near the Elmwood pub, Beighton.

Solicitor Stacy Clements said: “We’re determined to support Karlos and help him access the best care, support and therapies he needs.

“Therefore we’re appealing for anyone who may have more information or footage of the collision, the moments leading up to it or its aftermath, to get in touch.

“Any detail could be key in helping us secure the ongoing rehabilitation and support “Karlos requires to overcome his injuries the best he can and live as independently as possible.”

Anyone with information about the collision should contact Michaela Longland at Irwin Mitchell at [email protected] or on 0114 274 4382.