h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I've cried and I've cried and I've cried until I can no longer shed tears.

I've cried over this site. For the loss of friends and online spats. With disputes between researchers and volunteers and vice versa.. Well that's enough!

No longer will I cry or lose sleep over a website. What happened yesterday made me cry the hardest since I lost my mum 7 years ago.


Last week we were celebrating, as a family, the 40th Birthday of Neal, VV's partner. We all had a wonderful time, with 20 of us taking over a Chinese Restaurant in the centre of Chester.

Part of Neal's presents included something from his personal wish list - a day's training session on the racing track at Mallory Park in Leicester, run by World and British Superbike rider Chris Walker, together with Bradley Smith and a couple of junior riders from the other levels in British Superbikes.

The day began at 7.30am with safety tuitions and slow rides to get used to the bikes and the track. Neal and his friend 'Drumstick' were originally partnered with Bradley, but as Neal was the most experienced of the two and considerably faster, Bradley passed him over to another trainer.

Just one lap later, another trainee miscalculated a corner, dropped his bike, which then bounced into the middle of the track. Neal's trainer only just managed to avoid it, but Neal was totally unsighted and ran straight into the bike. Bradley Smith was devastated and immediately waved to 'Drumstick' to slow down and they both ran to Neal.

Neal had a serious bike accident some years ago with a rod and pins inserted down his leg. This was the leg which received most of the damage with 4 breaks, smashed kneecap and dislocated ankle. His other leg has a smashed kneecap and he also has a broken and dislocated shoulder.

Toni was warned by the surgeons that they would be removing some or all of the pins, and as this meant a significant blood loss, if Neal's body couldn't cope he might lose the leg.

Toni phoned at 2.30 this morning to say he was safely in ICU, after a marathon 12 hour operation to save his leg, so far. He is being kept sedated and he might be taken back to theatre for more work on the pins (not sure if they are removing or replacing them, Toni only heard 'pins' mentioned).

Now you know everything. Being in the middle of a house move isn't exactly helping my mood either.

So if you want to keep arguing, pulling this site apart, inside and out - then p*ss off to another site! Because I am not in the mood for stupid, childish spats!


lil.

I am dreadfully sorry to hear this terrible news. It's almost beyond belief that such an accident could occur.

My heart goes out to you and your family. I hope you get some better news in the very near future.

love

Lanzababy

My deepest and warmest wishes for Neal, your family, and yourself. May all be well.

When he originally damaged his leg he was in hospital for 4 months and the had a long recovery period at home.

So we are looking at that timescale at least.

He won't be moved from Leicester for another couple of weeks, then they will bring him up to Chester for the rest of his hospital care.

It's not going well for you this week, is it?

I hope Neal comes through it intact.

for you, VV, and anyone else who needs one.


Geggs

It's the 13th tomorrow, I'd better stay in bed to be on the safe side.


lil xx

Oh. lil, how horrible.

s to you, VV and Neal

*sends special healing vibes*

Poor Lil - it certainly never rains in your house. ICU is bad, but it sounds now as if he will pull through. I'm keeping my fingers crossed and my thoughts with you for this, the move, and your back problem.

I think I know what you mean about spats on the site, but I have no idea how it got to this.

What a terrible thing to happen. I am so sorry. I'm thinking of you and your family, hoping for Neal's recovery and for a smooth home move.

Sending healing vibes to Neal and best wishes to all the family.

Very sorry to hear about this - I hope for a speedy recovery.

<BB<

I am so sorry to hear this, lil. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts.

I don't like in-fighting

Sorry to hear that.

Wishes for a speedy recovery, and all the best to you and your family.

I promise I haven't been spatting, lil. I love this place too much!


What an unbelievably-horrible thing to happen to Neal!

All I can do is send healing thoughts and prayers to Neal and to all the family I wish you some much-needed luck!and hope and pray your house-move goes well!

(and you know where I am if you need to chat/vent/swear, same landline number/email, matters not to me which medium you use)

I think the lot of you need to be covered in bubble wrap to keep you safe!

I hope everything goes well with his recovery and most of all that there is no more bad luck going around

Oh dear, So sorry to read this, Lil.
I'll be praying for you and your family.

So sorry to hear if this, lil!

If there's anything....... You know the drill

*hugs*

healing thoughts winging south of the hemisphere