A devoted father-of-two faces life-changing injuries after being struck by a suspected drug driver while making a routine lottery purchase, just two days after agreeing to be best man at his friend's wedding.
Tragedy Strikes During Family Errand
Lewis Rimmer, 41, had made a weekly stop at his local Sainsbury's in Bromley Cross, Bolton on October 27 - his daughter's birthday. The Manchester United fan, described by friends as a 'beautiful person' and 'one of the world's good guys', was unexpectedly hit by a vehicle, suffering extensive injuries below his abdomen.
Emergency services, including an air ambulance, rushed to the Sainsbury's Local on Darwen Road. Mr Rimmer was airlifted to Royal Preston Hospital where he underwent 30 hours of surgery and was placed in an induced coma. He remains in critical care while continuing to fight for his recovery.
A Community Rallies Behind the Family
Friends and family have launched a GoFundMe campaign that has amassed close to £100,000 to support Mr Rimmer's wife Sarah and their daughters Amelia, 10, and Maddison, five. Remarkably, up to a third of donors are said to be locals within a one-mile radius of the family.
Danny Turner, 43, revealed the cruel timing of the incident, explaining: 'I proposed to my fiancée and asked Lewis to be my best man on Saturday. We were away in Anglesey but heard two days later what had happened. I just couldn't believe it.'
Mr Turner made a heartfelt pledge regarding his upcoming wedding: 'There will be no wedding until our best man is fit to be there. Nothing else matters. Lewis is one of the world's good guys and he's personally done a lot for me.'
Investigation and Ongoing Recovery
Greater Manchester Police reported that the driver of the Range Rover, a 56-year-old man, had been travelling around the car park with his boot open before the collision. The driver was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and driving whilst unfit through drugs.
He was bailed pending further enquiries and remains on bail while the investigation continues. The driver was also taken to hospital from the scene.
Andy Tonge, 42, another close friend who has known Mr Rimmer since secondary school, described the incident as 'just unbelievable for someone who lived such a quiet, humble lifestyle'. He added: 'Lewis will make a recovery but as to what that looks like - this fundraiser really does help a lot with that. We already knew our Lewis was strong willed but since the incident on October 27 he has been defying medical odds.'
Sarah Rimmer, Lewis's wife, shared: '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.'
Friends describe Mr Rimmer as someone who 'really would do anything for anyone and is very much loved and liked', highlighting his dedication to family and his role as a loving father who rarely went out, preferring to spend time with his family.
