Ealing Cyclist Facing Devastating Consequences of Crash
Mark Thomas was hit by car near the A40
Mark Thomas before the collision. Picture: Family handout
February 14, 2023
A 59-year-old man from Ealing remains in hospital over two weeks after being hit by a car while cycling next to the A40.
Mark Thomas, a father of four, received life changing injuries in the collision which took place near his home early in the morning of 29 January.
The self-employed plumber was cycling by the dual carriageway on a cycle path when a black car hit the barrier segregating it from the road and flew through the air into Mr Thomas.
He was taken to the trauma unit at St. Mary’s Hospital in Paddington and was in surgery for five hours. He suffered breaks to his legs and hips as well as a dislocated and broken shoulder, which he has been told he won’t be able to move for three months, as well as severe abrasions to his legs which required skin grafts.
His family has said that he is conscious but remains haunted by the trauma of the collision.
Police on the scene following the collision
No date has been given for his discharge, but it is believed that he will not be able to resume working as a plumber. He has been warned that multiple operations will be needed before his can leave hospital.
His daughter Gemma, aged 34 , told the Evening Standard, “It’s early days and we’re all trying to be positive, but I think we have to be realistic at the same time.”
Mr Thomas was a keen cyclist and had raised thousands of pounds for the British Heart Foundation after himself having earlier suffered multiple heart attacks and a stroke.
His family believe that it is unlikely he will be able to resume cycling.
A fundraiser has been launched to help make adaptations to his house once he returns home. At the time of writing over £7,000 had been given towards the target of £10,000.
A spokesperson for the police said, “The male driver of the car stopped at the scene and his actions will form part of the ongoing police investigation.
“No arrests at this time; enquiries into the circumstances continue.”
Anyone with information including dashcam footage is asked to contact police on 101 or tweet @MetCC and quote CAD 1766/29Jan.
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