‘I’d say the treatment’s been unparalleled really’
Ryan Cooksey on his daily walk to get his strength and mobility back(Image: Cooksey Family Photo)
A ‘gentle giant’ who has battled back from the brink after his motorbike collided with a bus has said a heartfelt “thank you” to the NHS staff for saving his life. 29-year-old gym enthusiast Ryan Cooksey, from Winterton, North Lincolnshire, was left in hospital with a long list of injuries after he was involved in a serious head on motorbike accident with a bus on the A1077 between Winterton and Scunthorpe back in March.
He required numerous operations, including keyhole surgery to repair a torn aorta which needed three stents, broken forearms, a broken collar bone as well as significant internal trauma. He also lost a kidney as a result of his injuries, and his weight also plummeted by more than five stone.
The popular retail worker is now recovering back home having spent five months in hospital, first in intensive care, and later at Castle Hill Rehabilitation Centre, where his friends and family – including dad John and sister Rachel – made regular visits to keep up his spirits to help his recovery.
He said: “Generally I’m quite a positive person. I was joking that maybe God decided I needed some time off work. I can walk a little bit with crutches. But generally if we’re out for a long time I’m in the wheelchair, because I can’t go that far and I’m incredibly slow.
“I’ve been managing okay, obviously it’s a little frustrating, not being able to do what I’m normally able to do, but I’m getting there.”
Ryan spoke of his huge admiration for the hospital staff and physiotherapists who have helped him on his journey so far, saying the care and support was second to none. He has been able to privately fund physiotherapy sessions straight away, thanks to a GoFundMe campaign launched following his accident which raised more than £4,300, to help support Ryan financially before he is able to return to work. He said: “Both Hull hospitals were amazing with me – they saved my life and helped get me home quickly by pushing my limits. I really appreciate how awesome the Hull team has been, how ‘on it’ the district nurses have been.
“The accident has opened my eyes to a lot of the struggles people who are wheelchair-bound face too.”
Ryan still can’t stand due to injuries to nerve endings in his calves, but his mobility is improving, helped in part by extra bannisters and railings which were fitted around his home last week and a walking frame, he can walk a few steps, albeit slowly.
That means he has been able to visit colleagues at work at CutPrice Foods and More, in Scunthorpe, where his bosses have reasserted their pledge to keep his job open until he is able to return. A keen fitness fanatic, he has also been able to get back into the gym.
He added: “I popped into work yesterday and had a bit of a catch up with them. They seem to be doing well. And we’ve been back to the gym. I’ve had two sessions.
“I’ve had to take it lightly because of my aorta and the doctor’s advised that if I hit a 180 heart rate I have to stop what I’m doing. So I’ve got to keep an eye on that and I can’t do anything intense, so I can’t do any heavy lifting.
“I’ve been going to Energie Fitness in Scunthorpe, and they have been great. Harry the owner, Sarah and Kenny, have been great with me and they offered a rehabilitation programme and six months membership for free.
He added: “Most of all I want to say thank you to the staff who saved my life. I’d say the treatment’s been unparalleled really, my time in the Hull hospitals. I have to give a shout out to Rob and Eleanor and Nina in Castle Hill. I don’t know the name of the surgeon, but I have to give a give a big shout out to the guy who did the surgery on my aorta as well.
“And I also want to thank all my close friends – Ollie, Hav, Nathan, Bradie – and all of the people who gave to the GoFundMe campaign, allowing me to go to McBride Private Physio. Work has told me that there should be a job for me when I’m finally walking about properly too, so I’m focusing on all the positives now.”
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