Crash biker who lost foot says he's lucky to be alive

A TEENAGER who had his foot amputated after a hit and run motorcycle crash said this week he feels lucky to be alive.

Speaking from his hospital bed, Luke Cave, 17, of Charlton Adam, said he remembered being hurled 25 metres down the road following the impact on the B3153 at Pitney Hill, between Somerton and Langport on Wednesday last week.

Doctors at Yeovil District Hospital were unable to save his right foot and amputation was carried out half way up his shin.

Luke's leg became caught between his motorbike and the bonnet of a van during the collision opposite the Halfway House pub at around 5pm.

"I was coming around the corner and I saw the van," he said.

"I swerved as much as I could but smashed into the van. I went over the bonnet and my foot was caught between the bike and the van. I took off the van's wing mirror with my arm.

"I remember every last detail of the crash. I propped up my foot with my helmet. It hurt too much to panic. Now I just want to get back to normality. Worse things have happened. I am grateful to have use of my arms.

"I am glad I was wearing my motorbike trousers. If I hadn't been, my leg would have been torn to pieces."

Luke's parents, David and Julie Cave of Charlton Adam, thanked hospital staff and Yeovil police, particularly PC Cookson, who have supported their son and the family.

David said they were told by hospital staff that their son's foot was almost torn off in the impact and it was one of the worst cases they had seen.

Luke said: "A nurse travelling behind stopped and helped me. I am glad there were people driving around at the time.

"If it was late at night, I would have been left there for ages because my phone was running out of battery.

"It was surprising how quickly the emergency services got there. "

David said: "I would like to take this opportunity to tell all young motorcyclists to ensure they wear the correct protective clothing.

"Although Luke had the correct clothing, that day he did not wear his motorcycle boots. If he had been wearing them it may have saved his foot."

Luke was travelling home from work, at Romford Wholesale Meats Ltd, near Langport, when the crash occurred.

He hopes to be back at work as soon as possible and has been told by his employers he can return when he feels ready.

He was due to return home from hospital yesterday. Doctors have spoken to him about fitting a prosthetic leg, but in the meantime he will be using crutches to get around.

Luke said: "I will get back on my bike again."

A 56-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of failing to stop at a road traffic collision, failing to report a road traffic collision and driving a car without due care and attention. He has been released on police bail.

Police are renewing their appeal for witnesses to the collision.