BOOTH Lane crash victim James Harrold is turning to the Middlewich community to find a way of getting some prosthetic legs. 

The 21-year-old had to have his legs amputated after his motorbike was in collision with a police car pursuing another vehicle in February 2012.

James entered a legal battle with Cheshire Police to get compensation after the crash, which went on for around three years before losing the case earlier this year. 

After the disappointment of losing the case, James and his mum Lorraine Neal have been left with the task of raising around £20,000 to buy some prosthetic legs and ‘get his life back’.

Lorraine said: “The result of the case didn’t go the way we were hoping. It was very disappointing, he was going to use the compensation money to get some proper legs and also for his future and to get his life back on track but that didn’t happen. 

“He’s in agony all the time with phantom limb pain and he’s had to go on long term sick from work because of the pain. He just can’t do anything with his life basically. He’s going to hospital constantly and he’s really struggling to deal with it. 

“At the minute he’s got basic NHS legs but they’re too heavy for him, he’s dropping to the floor after five minutes. We need to get him some proper ones and get him some sort of life back. 

“The legs will be around £14,000, and with some many consultation meetings and fittings to have to go down to London for, we need to raise around £20,000. 

“Maybe these legs could give him a new focus. He wants to go back to work but he wants a more active role but at the minute he just can’t do that, it’s so sad for him.”

Lorraine has now organised a fundraising event at the Turnpike pub in Middlewich and is calling on the community to help a victim of its notorious accident black spot. 

Lorraine added: “When he first had his accident his lawyer was saying we would get this or that but we lost the case and we thought we’d never be able to get the money for these legs, but hopefully we can raise the money.”

The family fun day event will take place on Saturday, September 5, and will feature a disco, bouncy castle, refreshments, children’s games, raffles, tug of war, and a pool competition. 

Lorraine is also asking for any business owners who could help out with donations or raffle prizes to get in touch.

You can contact Lorraine by email at lorraineneal@gmail.com