In a harrowing incident, a father-of-two from Bolton, Lewis Rimmer, was struck by a car in a Sainsbury’s car park while on his way to buy a lottery ticket. The 41-year-old suffered life-changing injuries, including a broken pelvis, fractured femurs, a compound fracture to his right shin, and severe damage to his left foot, which had to be amputated.
Lewis was airlifted to Royal Preston Hospital, where he spent weeks on life support and underwent over 40 hours of complex surgery. His wife, Sarah Rimmer, 37, has praised the “absolutely incredible” medical team who saved her husband’s life.
“They saved his life, basically. They’re all just incredible and continuing to be so,” Sarah said, adding that the two 10-hour operations on Lewis’s legs were necessary as his limbs were “completely crushed to pieces.”
The incident occurred on 27 October, when Lewis had taken the afternoon off work to celebrate his eldest daughter’s birthday. He had met his wife and their two daughters, aged 5 and 10, at a café near their home in Bolton, just minutes after buying the lottery ticket. Tragically, he was struck by a Range Rover in the car park and left with devastating injuries.
Sarah has been visiting Lewis in the hospital every day, and their daughters have been visiting as often as they can. “Our daughter was 10 the day after the accident happened, so he completely missed it. But we’ll make up for it when he comes home. We’ll have a big party then,” she said.
A 56-year-old man was later arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and driving while unfit through drug use. He has been released on bail pending further investigations.
As Lewis continues his recovery, his family remains optimistic and grateful for the exceptional care he has received. “It’s going to be difficult when he comes home with his injuries. He’s learning to do things differently through rehab and physio, but we’re all just keeping a really positive attitude,” Sarah said.