At 74 years old, Graham Harries from Sutton Coldfield was just minutes from home when a ride out on his motorbike turned into a life-changing ordeal.

 

On the morning of 2nd June 2024, at around 10.40am, Graham set off on his 26-year-old Yamaha Virago V-twin to attend a classic car and bike show at Middleton Hall near Tamworth.

But just a few from home, he was involved in a head-on collision with a vehicle on a sharp left-hand bend.

 

The impact left Graham with devastating injuries. He suffered a compound fracture to his femur, losing 180mm of bone, as well as a broken kneecap, coccyx, left hip and ribs.

 

Graham said: “One moment I was setting off to enjoy the day ahead, and the next my whole life had changed. I never imagined a journey so close to home would leave me fighting to save my life.”

 

Midlands Air Ambulance Charity were dispatched to the scene. Graham received enhanced medication and care at the roadside that only the charity’s critical care team could provide, he was given ketamine for sedation whilst the team put traction on his leg and splinted it. Graham was then taken by air ambulance to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham.

 

Once in hospital, the seriousness of his injuries became clear. After being stabilised, Graham’s right leg had to be fitted with a large external frame running from top to bottom to hold the bones in place. Unable to move for eight days, he then underwent major surgery to have the frame removed and a large titanium rod inserted from his kneecap to his hip, fixed in place with screws at the top and bottom.

 

He spent four weeks on the major trauma ward at Queen Elizabeth Hospital before being transferred to Perry Trees Centre in Erdington for a further three weeks of recovery and rehabilitation, spending a total of seven weeks away from home.

 

Before the accident, Graham had been enjoying retirement since the age of 61. Family life was full and active, with family holidays, monthly meets with the Jaguar Breakfast Car Club, fishing and playing guitar with his band, Silver Foxes.

 

His recovery, however, was long and challenging.

 

Graham said: “After my accident it took about 12 months before I was fishing again. I missed a few bookings with the band, but my goal was always to play on stage again.”

 

Determined not to let his injuries define him, Graham gradually fought his way back to doing the things he loved. Only a few months after the collision, he was back performing with Silver Foxes. Although he now has to remain seated while playing guitar, returning to the stage was a hugely emotional and important milestone in his recovery.

 

Now aged 75, Graham continues to live with the long-term effects of his injuries. With the titanium rod still in his leg, he uses a walking stick, but he has never lost his sense of humour.

 

Graham added: “I would like to thank the Police, land ambulance, Fire Brigade and Midlands Air Ambulance Charity who attended to me on that lovely sunny day, who helped save my leg and my life. Again, thank you.”