AN army veteran who was knocked off his motorbike sustaining multiple injuries has raised money for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance which rushed to his aid.

Benjamin Patel, who was 31 at the time of the incident on August 14, 2021, was travelling along Rues Lane, just off the A59, near Otley, when he collided with a car that pulled out into the road. It resulted in a devastating impact that sent him flying from his bike and rendering him badly injured and unconscious.

The devoted British Army veteran from the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers corps (REME), with 16 years of service, was off duty at the time of the accident.

Benjamin, who lives in Yeadon, was helped at the scene by a passing nurse who provided crucial assistance. Benjamin has never crossed paths with the nurse again but deeply appreciates the help she provided.

It wasn't long before the Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) was hovering overhead. He was assessed by paramedics who found he had serious pelvis and wrist injuries and provided medical help as they waited for a land ambulance to arrive and take him to Leeds General Infirmary.

In hospital Benjamin underwent intricate emergency surgery, where a plate, pins, and bolts were implanted to secure his pelvis. Throughout his recovery, Benjamin was fortunate to have the unwavering support of his girlfriend and both of their families. While he has made progress, more surgeries are still in the planning stages to repair the damage to his wrist. The psychological scars of the accident also continue to linger, manifesting as recurring nightmares and emotional challenges. 

Speaking of his accident, Benjamin said: " I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to my family, friends, and the compassionate nurse who helped me on the roadside. I am also deeply thankful to the paramedics at YAA for their swift response and life-saving care during my accident. It is an incredibly valuable emergency service and as a charity, relies on the support of individual donors."

Benjamin has already raised over £1,850 to support for YAA initially launching a Facebook appeal, raising £1200, and utilising his welding skills to create a custom BBQ which he auctioned for £650. Benjamin was invited to the YAA’s Nostell Air Base in Wakefield, where he met the team of paramedics which came to his aid and presented them with his fundraising cheque. 

HEMS (Helicopter Emergency Medical Service) specialist paramedic , Andrew Armitage, said: "Benjamin’s experience highlights the critical importance of YAA's mission. We are here to provide rapid, life-saving care when it matters most."