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Off-road driver who lost an eye in an accident at Tixover Quarry in Rutland is supporting the Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance




An off-road driver who lost an eye in a freak accident has pledged his support to a life-saving crew.

Neil Granger was competing at Tixover Grange when his car’s throttle cable snapped and the vehicle shot down a hill.

His head was pushed out of the car and trapped by a tree, causing him to lose an eye at the scene.

Neil Granger lost an eye during an off-roading accident at Tixover Quarry
Neil Granger lost an eye during an off-roading accident at Tixover Quarry

But just six months later Neil returned to work and started raising money for the air ambulance which helped him.

Neil, 49, said: “You just have to get on with it. There are people out there worse off than me.”

He doesn’t remember much of the accident but has since learned he owes his life to three people who lifted him out of the car and kept him breathing until help arrived.

Shaun Dighton, Mark Johnson and Stuart McClurg (far right) with Neil Granger after helping to save his life
Shaun Dighton, Mark Johnson and Stuart McClurg (far right) with Neil Granger after helping to save his life

Neil said: “It was a freak accident.

“I tried to fight my way out but the last thing I remember is my winchman Jake Chappell telling me he was going to get help.”

The Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance attended the scene but because of his injuries, Neil had to travel to the Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham by road.

He was in a coma for a week before moving to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge where he underwent a 13-hour operation to rebuild his face.

Not wanting to let the accident hold him back, Neil was soon back behind the wheel. He regained his driving licence in June and is waiting to renew his off-road competition licence.

He returned to working on overhead power lines in September but was made redundant in December.

Neil, who lives in Cambridgeshire, also hosted an event at Tixover Quarry in October which raised £7,800 for the air ambulance.

Neil Granger (right) returns to the scene of his accident
Neil Granger (right) returns to the scene of his accident

He said: “You don’t think about these things until you need them. It’s not funded but every mission costs £1,700.

Supporters can help the air ambulance charity by visiting its shop in High Street, Oakham, and the Children's Air Ambulance shop in High Street, Stamford.

Events and fundraising opportunities are also listed on the charity website.



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