A motorcyclist who was knocked from his bike in Deal and airlifted to hospital will have to spend Christmas there unless he can borrow a motorised wheelchair.

John Potter contacted the Mercury after he was involved in an accident at St Richard’s Road, Deal, at about 1.50pm on Wednesday.

He says a Mazda car pulled out on him from the doctors’ surgery, resulting in him sustaining injuries to his upper arm and upper leg.

Police closed the road while Mr Potter was treated. He was taken by air to the William Harvey Hospital at Ashford.

“My first full Christmas holiday with my wife and family for over 10 years has been ruined" - John Potter

On Saturday he said: “My first full Christmas holiday with my wife and family for over 10 years has been ruined.

“I will either be in hospital over Christmas or stuck at home in doors with my injuries.”

Mr Potter says he is not allowed home unless modifications can be made to the downstairs, making it suitable for him to sleep there. He said he can ensure the changes are made, but his biggest problem is not having a motorised wheelchair. Without one, he cannot go home.

Despite the Mercury putting an appeal out on Facebook, no offer has been received.

Mr Potter criticised the ambulance response time of 45 minutes after the accident, saying: “That worries me as I now consider myself lucky to be in hospital and not in a grave.”

He said few efforts were made to protect his dignity, and school children were allowed to walk past the site of the incident soon after.

Mr Potter wants to borrow a motorised wheelchair for about eight weeks. He added: “I can get most of the other stuff required but I am now house bound for about eight weeks minimum.”

Anyone who can help, should call the Mercury on 01304 365526 or email brobson@thekmgroup.co.uk.