When a Lincolnshire biker went out for a morning ‘bimble’ little did he know that he would end up lying in a ditch fighting for his life.

The Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance crew were soon by his side, giving life-saving treatments where he lay in a ditch, 30 metres away from where the collision happened. He had suffered multiple traumatic injuries, and his survival was uncertain.

Malc had numerous broken bones including his pelvis, spine and ribs. He also had open fractures to his right leg, a shoulder injury, soft tissue damage and had internal bleeding.

Once the crew had lifted him onto level ground, they stabilised his pelvis and placed traction splints on both legs to reduce blood loss and provide protection. LNAA Dr Jake performed life-saving surgery at the roadside and Malc received three blood transfusions as Jake and paramedic Danielle fought to save his life.

Once stable Malc was airlifted to the Major Trauma Unit at Nottingham’s Queen’s Medical Centre, where a surgical team were waiting to operate on him.

It was July 2022 and Malc, from Osbournby, near Sleaford, had been looking forward to his summer holiday with his partner and son.  He had set off on his beloved motorbike to buy a few last-minute items and rather than travel on busy roads to Lincoln he decided to take a quieter, scenic route.  The next thing he remembered was waking up in hospital.

Malc spent 17 days in a coma as his broken body started to heal.  It was a difficult and uncertain time for Kirsty, and their eight-year-old son Teddy. Kirsty sat by his bedside telling him over and over that they would ‘get through this’. But she had no idea what the future would hold. Would Malc wake up? Would he be paralysed? Would he lose both his legs?

Malc recalls the moment he fully regained consciousness. He said: “A lot of people were surrounding my bed, and someone gave me a sip of water. It felt like the elixir of life and it was at that moment that I realised I was alive!”

It took a few days for Malc to get the feeling back in his arms and legs and understand fully what had happened. He said: “I was in denial and when the police showed me pictures, I couldn’t believe that was my bike that I was seeing.”

Malc recalled dreams that he’d had whilst in the coma: “I was flying with my dad. We were both birds and we were flying over sandflats. In my mind I was free and flying when really I was in a medically induced coma and so very poorly.”

Six weeks after the crash, Malc left hospital to continue his road to recovery. He moved into the ground floor annex adjoining the family home and Kirsty became his carer. Family life was so different, but they were determined to make the best of the situation, often planning family sleepovers where Kirsty and Teddy spend a night with Malc in the annex.

Malc has enormous positivity and determination to recover from his injuries, driven by his need to be the ‘best husband and dad’ he can be.

Malc has had 13 operations and more are planned. He undertakes weekly physio and hydrotherapy and endures a strict two-hour session at home every day.  It is a slow healing process, but his legs are gradually getting stronger, and Malc can now walk short distances with a rollator and, on good days, with sticks.

The family recently visited LNAA HQ to meet the crew and take a tour of the helicopter. Malc was overawed by the reception he was given.  He said: “We were blown away; everyone was so kind and caring about me and how I am doing.  They don’t just treat you and move on, they care for you afterwards too. Thank you just isn’t enough – they deserve so much more for what they do.

“I understand now what Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance is about, it is a team of wonderful people who can go out and save lives at the roadside. I’ve needed that service; I’ve used that service and what a service it is.”

“As we chatted with the crew, an emergency came in. We watched as they switched to this professional mode and walk calmly away, not knowing where they were going or what they would find apart from going to save someone’s life. It is just incredible.”

The family are committed to supporting Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance in any way they can. Malc has left something in his Will to LNAA and even Teddy has joined in by organising a fundraising day at his school.

Malc explains: “I want to inspire others and talk at events to tell people about their work. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for their actions on that morning. You just don’t know what is round the corner, life can change in a heartbeat.  Everything we thought our future life would be changed in a moment.  Each moment is now precious.”