Northern Ireland

Co Antrim family whose son left fighting for his life after crash appeal for support for charity that ‘gave him the chance he needed’

Motorcyclist Simon Osborne suffered life-threatening injuries in the crash in 2019

Air ambulance
The Osborne family have tirelessly supported Air Ambulance Northern Ireland for a number of years and are seeking volunteer support for upcoming events at Shane’s Castle and Armoy Races
By Suzanne McGonagle

A Co Antrim family whose son was left fighting for his life following a serious road crash have appealed for support for the emergency service that “gave him the chance he needed” to survive.

Motorcyclist Simon Osborne lost sight in his right eye, broke every rib in his body as well as his sternum, left arm, pelvis and left leg in the collision in 2019.

The Ballymoney man, who was 25 at the time, also punctured both lungs, ruptured his spleen and bowel and was left with a massive back wound and general nerve damage.

Simon Osborne, pictured in 2019
Simon Osborne, pictured in 2019

His family said that left with a catalogue of life-threatening injuries, he would have died if the Air Ambulance NI had not arrived and been able to operate then and there.

He was flown by the Air Ambulance to Belfast where he was transferred to the Royal Victoria Hospital.

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His father Tony Osborne said: “Simon’s injuries were so severe, no-one was sure he would survive, but the air ambulance doctor and paramedic treatment at scene gave him the chance he needed.

“I will be forever grateful to the team at air ambulance for what they did for my son.

“It could be any one of us who needs them, and it is only with continued public support that the service can continue.”

In a bid to give back to Air Ambulance NI, the Osborne family are appealing for volunteers to join them in raising funds at a series of events this year, including Shane’s Castle May Day Steam Rally.

The event on May 5 and 6 has the potential to raise £10,000 over the two days, with the funds then enabling the charity to fund the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service for another day of operations, fully funding it to reach the next three patients.

“Our family do what we can to help, and we are seeking members of the public to join us at Shanes Castle May Day Steam Rally and the Armoy Races to give a few hours of your time,” said Tony.

“No experience is necessary, and all support very gratefully received.”