Limavady man is '˜forever grateful' after horror bike crash

A Limavady man who suffered severe spinal injuries in a bike accident has spoken publicly about how lucky he is to be alive.
Dean DohertyDean Doherty
Dean Doherty

Dean Doherty spent close to five months in hospital after he came off his scrambler at a motocross track in Magilligan in March.

The 26-year-old was left with severe injuries and he was airlifted to hospital where he underwent major surgery.

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After a four-and-a-half month hospital stay, Dean is back home with his loved ones in Limavady.

Dean using his mechanical skills on a car during his stay in Musgrave.Dean using his mechanical skills on a car during his stay in Musgrave.
Dean using his mechanical skills on a car during his stay in Musgrave.

Speaking publicly for the first time since his accident, the inspirational young mechanic wants to give back to the people who helped him with his remarkable recovery.

“The staff at Musgrave helped me with so much. It was intense, but they got me back on my feet,” said Dean. “They left me so that I’m independent at home. I know I’m in a wheelchair, but I’m fit to wash myself and get about. I’m lucky.”

Dean and his family have organised a fundraising charity event on Friday night at Limavady Football Club. All funds raised from the event will be donated to the Spinal Ward at Musgrave.

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“Nobody knows what you might need in the future, or what’s ahead of you,” said Dean. “The staff at Musgrave helped me so much. I know what they do.”

Dean using his mechanical skills on a car during his stay in Musgrave.Dean using his mechanical skills on a car during his stay in Musgrave.
Dean using his mechanical skills on a car during his stay in Musgrave.

Dean’s family feared he might never be able to walk again, however, the determined Limavady lad is able to walk short distances using support.

“I’m able to walk about 100 metres with a frame, not every day, but I can do it. I’m doing as much as I can,” said Dean, “just not as much as I used to.”

During his stay at Musgrave, word about Dean’s knowledge and skills with cars soon spread and he was called on several times to help visitors and staff with car problems.

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On one occasion, Dean helped a man from Derry whose car wouldn’t start.

He also ran a diagnostic test on the vehicle of a staff member for their car in preparation for the MOT.

Since coming home, Dean Doherty and his family have made major adjustments in their lives.

Despite all the changes, however, Dean is upbeat and he is determined to remain positive about the future.

Among the 26-year-old’s plans is to get his own car.

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“I had to sit another driving test, and I hope to get my own car soon,” he said.

Dean also plans to return to work for Road Safety Contracts in Maghera, who he thanked, and who he said have been fantastic to him since his accident.

Dean’s mum Christine said she witnessed, first hand, the amazing work of staff at Musgrave.

“When Dean left the Royal, he could do nothing and, when he went to Musgrave I thought, how will Dean cope here, but when I saw what they did for him and how much he is able to do now, it’s amazing,” she said.

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Christine hopes people in the local community will support Friday’s event, which starts at 8.30pm. There are also raffle tickets available, costing £5 each.

“No one knows when they might need the help of staff in Musgrave,” Christine added. “It’s hard work and I just hope there is a good turnout. Even if people just buy a ticket.”

The fundraiser takes place on Friday, September 9, at Limavady Football Club.

The fundraising night starts at 8.30pm, and includes entertainment courtesy of Dean’s brother, DJ Errol Doherty.

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