Sandwich motorcyclist has to learn to walk again after being hit by car
16:30, 08 February 2023
updated: 17:59, 08 February 2023
A motorcyclist who was seriously injured when he was hit by a car has revealed the "devastating" impact the crash has had on his life.
Leon Zanre, a dental technician from Sandwich, has had to learn to walk again after suffering pelvic and spinal fractures, as well as internal bleeding.
The 35-year-old dad has been cared for by his wife Zoe since the crash and says his life has been turned upside down.
Medics have advised it could be another two or three years until he can walk properly again.
"To this day, I don’t remember much about the crash myself, but to hear what happened and be told the seriousness of my injuries was devastating," Mr Zanre said.
"Until then, I had been fit and active. I’ve always enjoyed sports and loved playing football with my son Abel but I don’t know if I’ll be able to do that again.
"I was in such a bad way in hospital that I didn’t even get to see Abel for five weeks, which was heartbreaking. When I got home, I had to use a Zimmer frame and I now use a stick to get about.
"It could be a long time before I can walk properly again and to be told that was incredibly upsetting. I also don’t know if I’ll ever return to work."
Mr Zanre was travelling along the A257 Canterbury Road on July 11 last year when a car turned out of a junction into his path and collided with his motorcycle.
The car was being driven by farm labourer Krasimir Kardashlakov who had just worked a 12-hour shift.
He had turned onto the A257 Wingham Road from Cherville Lane at Bramling where he collided with Mr Zanre who was on his green Kawasaki EX650 motorbike.
Kardashlakov was driving his friend's black BMW X5 which he was not insured on.
Mr Zanre was taken to Kings College Hospital in London by the emergency services, where he was diagnosed with a catalogue of injuries.
He remained in hospital for almost seven weeks and also sustained fractures to his left elbow and hand, as well as damaged tendons and nerve damage in his right leg which required major knee reconstruction.
Kardashlakov was charged with causing serious injury by careless driving and driving without insurance.
During a hearing at Folkestone Magistrates’ Court on January 25, Kardashlakov pleaded guilty to both offences. A sentencing hearing is scheduled to take place on April 26.
Mr Zanre says he has had great support from his friends and family following the crash.
"Zoe has been amazing. I would never have got through this without her and I’m determined to work hard at my recovery, not just for me, but for Zoe and my son Abel too," he said.
"I know nothing can change what I’ve been through, but I want to share my story as I’m still so angry and upset that this happened to me.
"I want to urge drivers to be safe and responsible as the consequences of careless or dangerous driving can be devastating.
"Meanwhile, I also want to say thank you to the Kent air ambulance and Kings College Hospital in London as I don’t know if I would still be there today without them. They saved my life."
Mr Zanre has also instructed expert serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help him access the ongoing rehabilitation and therapies he needs as part of his recovery.
Peter Lorence, the who is representing Mr Zanre, says the past few months have understandably been tough for Mr Zanre as he attempts to come to terms with the physical and psychological impact of the crash and the injuries he sustained.
"While he continues to make progress with his recovery, he still faces many challenges ahead," he said.
"We’re determined to support Leon so he can access the specialist treatment he needs to maximise his recovery.
"We therefore welcome the plea from the driver, which we hope will allow Leon to start moving forward with his life.
"His case should also be a stark reminder of the potential dangers faced by road users and the need for everyone to stay safe on the roads at all times."
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