36-year-old Harley Gaskin has spoken about how a road traffic collision in Shanklin has left him with life-changing injuries, which has now led to the decision for a below-the-knee amputation.
It was on 27th March last year – Mother’s Day – that Harley decided to detour via Shanklin whilst heading from Blackgang Chine, where he worked, to see his family. But disaster struck when an oncoming car – a black Golf GTI – collided with Harley, sending him careering over the roof of the vehicle.
He hit the ground and lay stranded in the middle of the road.
The situation was so serious that the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance was called in with the helicopter touching down in nearby Atherley Road Car Park, as captured by Island Echo.
Recalling that day, Harley has said:
“I remember it very clearly. The light was still green, so I tried to move myself out of the road. My leg moved but my foot decided to stay behind.
“I knew it was bad. I put my hand under my leg, grabbed above the ankle and dragged my foot with me.
“I heard a helicopter flying overhead but wasn’t sure if it was the air ambulance. The ground crew confirmed it was them and that they were trying to find an area to land. I panicked, because you know then it’s serious. But I was sure I wasn’t going to die, so I just had to relax.”
Article continues below this advertisement
Harley had broken both his tibia and fibula and had done severe damage to his L1 spine. He was given ketamine to relieve the pain.
The air ambulance crew stabilised him before loading him onto a stretcher and into the helicopter. A short flight later, the team arrived at Southampton’s major trauma unit.
Harley had to have multiple pins and plates inserted into his leg and now suffers from nerve damage and circulation problems. He is now on the list to have a below-knee amputation to his right leg.
Harley says:
“I can’t work or mobilise without using my hands. But as soon as I’ve had the amputation and I’ve learnt to walk on my prosthetic leg, I’ll hopefully return to work”.
Despite adjusting to his new life, Harley is in awe of the lifeline that the air ambulance plays in bringing critical care to people on the Isle of Wight. He adds:
“If the Air Ambulance hadn’t turned up it could have been so much worse. I could have had major internal bleeding.
“Thank you to everybody that has supported and donated to the air ambulance – I appreciate you all just as much as the crew for helping them to continue and save lives.”
“I can’t work or mobilise without using my hands. But as soon as I’ve had the amputation and I’ve learnt to walk on my prosthetic leg, I’ll hopefully return to work”.
thats the spririt harley -keep that up and you will be up and about working and supporting yourself in no time.
others should take note of your grit and determination and make an effort themselves instead of crying off work with a broken fingernail.
Bless you hope going will go your way read your story I was a biker myself.all the very best to you .
All the very best mate, keep on keeping on .
Motorcycles are so dangerous.
The speed they travel at on Island Roads,especially along the Military Road is
Frightening.
This Motorcyclist had a lucky escape, so many haven’t.
Road Safety should be put in place on Island Roads to Stop speeding and to
Stop accidents like this happening.
On yer bike Trevor…Good luck Harley, huge respect..
That’ll help him, positive thinking Harly you got this
I drove past it all on the day whilst sat at the lights.shook my partner ip as he drives a motorbike too and knows what can happen. driver from black golf looked a right chavy boy racer…no mentioned if they were charged with anything or outcome .id say speeding was involved at the lights .Good luck too the chap.his positive outlook .all the best you’ll do well I’m sure
The driver was given 5 points and a fine with court costs to just over £800
Wow..big deal
Terrible. Should have been jail and also compensation to the biker for his injuries. !!!!! Justice system is a joke.
Harley what an incredible man ! I hope he can go and talk to kids in college who’ve just passed their driving tests to be cautious otherwise this can happen ! And for all the ‘I can’t work coz I have adhd or there’s a cloud in the sky , get over yourselves and appreciate all your working limbs !
All the best to you Harley.