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Motorbike crash survivor Michael Forsdyke, from Maidstone, returns to thank air ambulance rescuers

A motorcyclist involved in a high-speed crash on the day he found out he was in remission from testicular cancer has been united with his hero rescuers.

Michael Forsdyke, from Maidstone, was on his way to tell his sister the good news when he was involved in a collision with a car.

The 30-year-old broke his back, neck, collarbone and suffered six broken ribs and a shattered pelvis and was immediately airlifted to the Royal Free Hospital in London.

Michael Forsdyke was rushed to the Royal London Hospital after the accident on the A20
Michael Forsdyke was rushed to the Royal London Hospital after the accident on the A20

It happened at the Potters Corner crossroads, where Sandyhurst Lane meets the A20, near Ashford.

The account manager at Bearsted-based software developer GForces said: “I’d received a letter from my oncologist that day saying the tumours had shrunk and I was in remission after three months of chemotherapy.

“I wanted to let my sister know so I thought I would give her the news in person. It was a nice sunny afternoon so I popped on my leathers and hopped on the bike.”

His next memory was waking up on a hospital ward.

The aftermath of the crash on the A20 near Hothfield
The aftermath of the crash on the A20 near Hothfield

This week he met air ambulance medics who gave him emergency blood transfusions at the scene, in July 2013.

He added: “If they hadn’t got to me in such a timely fashion and stabilised me by giving me the units of blood I would be dead.

“It’s been great to meet them and say thank you.”

He was given pioneering treatment that involved a balloon being inflated inside major blood vessels to stop internal blood loss.

Dr Steph Tilston, Michael Forsdyke, paramedic Adam Ormrod and Dr Magnus Nelson
Dr Steph Tilston, Michael Forsdyke, paramedic Adam Ormrod and Dr Magnus Nelson

Mr Forsdyke, of Eccleston Road, was placed in an induced coma and spent three months in hospital. His hospital ordeal featured in the BBC programme An Hour To Save Your Life, in June.

His friend Amy Johnston also presented the air ambulance with a cheque for £145.

Ms Johnston, from Aylesford, completed a charity skydive at the Headcorn Aerodrome on Mr Forsdyke’s 30th birthday.

  • To donate visit www.kssairambulance.org.uk
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