Henry's story
Then, aged 32, he was riding from his home in Halifax to a new job in Leeds when a car pulled out from a side road on Whitehall Road, A58, in Wyke. The car hit Henry’s bike, crushing his leg between the bike and car before he was thrown off and rolled along the road.
"My leg felt like it was on fire," recalled Henry. "I picked it up and saw it flop around like it was made of jelly. Then blood began to pour out of my ripped Kevlar jeans and boot."
Henry was rushed to the Major Trauma Centre at Leeds General Infirmary where he was treated for his life-changing injuries, including several breaks to his left leg and foot.
He said: "The paramedics and all the medical staff at the Major Trauma Centre in Leeds were fantastic. But nothing prepared me for the word ‘amputation’. They want to take my leg. All I could do was cry."
Despite the best efforts of doctors, Henry had to have his left leg amputated.
That day and the following weeks spent in the MTC changed the rest of Henry’s life.
While on the trauma ward, Henry was helped by charity Day One Trauma Support, which was set up in Leeds by Prof Giannoudis to help people rebuild their lives following a catastrophic injury. The charity helps patients and families with practical, emotional and financial support that goes beyond the care the NHS can provide.
Henry was visited by Day One Peer Support Volunteer and amputee Bob Nottingham, who had suffered similar injuries.
"Bob had survived a crash. Bob was an amputee. Bob was now walking with a prosthetic," said Henry. "He understood how I felt and was there to answer all my questions. He even demonstrated how he took off and put on his prosthetic. He was honest about the difficulties I would face."
Talking helped Henry come to terms with his own amputation and the life he had ahead learning to walk using a prosthetic limb.
Now, nearly five years on from the crash, Henry himself is training to become a Day One volunteer so he can help other people who suffer major trauma and is taking on a 96-mile trek to raise money for the charity.
He said: “I am so grateful for the help and advice I got from Day One Trauma Support during those early days in hospital. I remember crying so much when I was told I would lose my leg. Having someone to talk to who understood exactly what I was going through was invaluable.
"I am so lucky I had access to this support in Leeds and can’t wait to give back by helping other people like me. It makes me sad that not every major trauma patient gets the support they need, which is why I’m determined to raise money so Day One can be there for more people across the UK."
Henry spent 15 days in hospital before starting his long recovery journey at home, including learning to walk again, with a prosthetic.
Henry is sharing his story publicly for the first time to mark the Leeds Major Trauma Centre’s 10-year anniversary and has returned to visit the trauma team in April 2023 - the anniversary month - to thank those who cared for him and helped on the road to recovery.
Henry said: “It’s difficult and emotional to go back to the hospital after so many years. But I am indebted to these people who did so much. They saved my life and got me onto the road to recovery.”
In September 2023, Henry will take on a 96-mile trek as part of The West Highland Way to raise money for Day One. To support Henry visit www.justgiving.com/page/whwfordayone
