A father of two is in critical condition after being hit by a Range Rover while on his way to purchase a lottery ticket.
The unfortunate accident happened just as 41-year-old Lewis Rimmer was about to step into a Sainsbury’s supermarket in Bolton, Greater Manchester. The luxury vehicle crashed into his car and then collided with the store’s wall.
Mr. Rimmer was immediately taken to the hospital, where he underwent 30 hours of surgery. He is now in an induced coma.
He had taken a half-day off work to celebrate his daughters’ birthdays—Amelia, aged 10, and Maddison, aged 5—by treating them to a special lunch during the school half-term break.
Sadly, what was meant to be a brief stop at the supermarket on October 27 turned into a horrific ordeal, according to his family.
A passionate golfer and dedicated Manchester United supporter, Mr. Rimmer is described by friends as being “loved by everyone who knows him.”
A 56-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and driving while unfit through drugs, police confirmed.
He was bailed pending further enquiries as the force’s Serious Collision Unit continues its investigation and appeals for witnesses to come forward.
Father-of-two Lewis Rimmer is fighting for his life after he was hit by a Range Rover at a supermarket
His family said a quick stop at the supermarket turned into an ‘unimaginable tragedy
A fundraising page set up to support his wife Sarah and his daughters raised more than £92,000 with 1,600 donors.
Family friend Andy Tonge, 42, said Mr Rimmer’s injuries are ‘severe and lifechanging’, but said he has showed remarkable strength.
He said: ‘We already knew our Lewis was strong willed but since the incident on October 27, he has been defying medical odds.
‘He has now undergone over 30 hours of surgery and continues to fight for his girls, Sarah, and family.
‘Lewis is one of the most decent blokes I know: humble, honest, hardworking and a true friend to everyone in his extended circle.
‘This is only the start of a very long journey; we are all overwhelmed and deeply grateful for the fundraiser and for the incredible support from the community.
‘It’s been amazing to see the north west communities pull together for one of our own.’
Lewis Rimmer (left) pictured with his best man Andy Tonge (centre) and his close friend Ben
Andy added: ‘For now, let’s give them the space they need while they figure out what comes next, and then we can decide how best to support them moving forward.’
‘Let’s keep the donations coming in.
‘Sarah and Lewis won’t be able to work for the foreseeable, and they’ll need to make some changes to their day-to-day life, so this will really help take that pressure off.
‘Anything people can give will really help them.’
In an update on the GoFundMe page on Sunday (November 9), Sarah shared her gratitude for the support.
She said: ‘I just want to take a moment to say a huge thank you, from the bottom of my heart, to everyone who’s kept us in their thoughts, shared our story, or donated to the page our amazing friends have set up.
‘The past two weeks have been a complete blur, and we’re just taking things a few hours at a time while we continue to process everything and stay strong.
‘The love, kindness, and support we’ve felt has truly helped us keep going, and I know that Lewis and I will be forever grateful.’
Those with information about the crash should call 0161 856 4741, quoting reference number 1481 of October 27.
Information can also be shared anonymously with independent charity Crimestoppers.
