Lewis Rimmer had visited the shop to buy a lottery ticket – but has now spent months in hospital
Lewis Rimmer had visited the shop to buy a lottery ticket – but has now spent months in hospital(Image: Family handout)
The wife of a much-loved dad who remains in hospital ten weeks after hit was hit by a Range Rover outside a Sainsbury’s has issued a heartfelt update. Lewis Rimmer, 41, was knocked down by a Range Rover outside the Sainsbury’s Local on Darwen Road in Bromley Cross on October 27.
The dad-of-two had popped into the shop to buy a lottery ticket before he was hit by the vehicle. Lewis was in the car park outside the store when he was struck, before the car then ploughed into the shop building.
Emergency services, including the air ambulance, rushed to the scene following the horrific crash and Lewis was airlifted to the Royal Preston Hospital. The car park was taped off for a number of hours for investigations to take place. The dad had taken time off work that afternoon to to celebrate his daughter’s birthday with his family before he was knocked down.
The driver of the Range Rover, a 56-year-old man, was also taken to hospital from the scene. He was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and driving whilst unfit through drugs and later bailed pending further enquiries.
Police at the scene(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Lewis was previously described by his loved ones as ‘humble, honest and hardworking’. He had suffered ‘severe and life-changing’ injuries in the collision and has remained in hospital ever since.
His partner Sarah has been issuing regular updates on his care and road to recovery following the serious crash. In a new post online, she said the much-loved dad has since had seven major surgeries for his injuries, including a broken pelvis, broken femurs and fractured ribs. He has also spent nine weeks in the ICU.
Sharing a picture of her daughter’s shortly before the crash occurred, she penned: “This photo was taken about 30 minutes before we finished lunch for Amelia’s birthday and Lewis popped into Sainsbury’s. Thank goodness the girls came home with me. We can’t say too much about what happened yet, as the police are still heavily involved, but when we can we will.
Lewis with his family(Image: Family handout)
“Lewis was hit by a Range Rover and crushed against a steel pillar. Thank God he is so tall — while his injuries are severe, they could have been far worse.
“Injuries: A pelvis broken into multiple pieces; both femurs broken; a compound fracture to his right shin; his left foot was so badly damaged it couldn’t be saved; a ruptured bladder; two bowel ruptures and three fractured ribs.
“He has undergone seven major surgeries, totalling over 40 hours. He spent three weeks intubated in a coma, nine weeks in the ICU and has required multiple chest drains, X-rays, CT scans, blood transfusions and much more. We are now going into week ten on the Major Trauma Ward.
“There is still so much to process, and it’s all very raw right now, but we’ll fill in the gaps when we’re ready. For now, we’re choosing to look forward.” The post was met with an outpouring of love and support online, as was a fundraiser that was set up to support Lewis’s recovery and aid for his family.
It has since raised over £111,000. Both Lewis, who works in a car garage, and partner Sarah will be unable to work for the foreseeable future as they focus on his recovery.
“Thank you again so much for the kindness, generosity, and for keeping us in your thoughts,” partner Sarah said previously in an online update. “It truly means the world to us. We know there’s a long road ahead, but we are incredibly grateful.”
After the incident, GMP issued an appeal for any witnesses of the incident, or anyone with further information, to come forward. A spokesperson said: “Investigators are now appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the incident to come forward.
“They are also keen to speak to anyone who may have any CCTV footage, including dashcam, mobile phone footage from the area in the moments leading up to the incident.”