A father of two was left with life-changing injuries and unable to remember his own name following a devastating hit-and-run in Greater Manchester. Mike Stubbs, 45, from Dukinfield, was out on a morning run when a speeding car ploughed into him on November 20, 2024.
The driver made off from the scene, and the car was later found burned out before police arrived. Mike sustained catastrophic injuries, including broken ribs, a collapsed lung, a lacerated liver, internal bleeding, a shattered ankle, and severe gravel burns covering more than half of his body. The IT professional's injuries were so severe that police were unable to identify him in A&E.
Unable to Remember His Own Name
Mike said: 'I still wake some nights in panic, reliving the trauma and remembering the expressions on my family's faces when they first saw me in hospital. Immediately after the collision, I couldn't remember who I was or where I lived.'
'Police and hospital staff were initially unable to identify me, and it wasn't until several hours later in A&E that I was able to remember the name of my manager and my workplace telephone number. The experience has stayed with me ever since.'
'I now wear identification tags whenever I go out because I'm still deeply affected by the fact I couldn't identify myself after the collision, and my family had no idea where I was.'
'My partner and I decided it would be best for our children not to see me straight away because of the extent of my injuries. Missing time with them, especially so close to Christmas, was devastating. When my children eventually visited me in hospital, I wanted to hug them properly but couldn't because of my injuries.'
'They were frightened of hurting me and scared to touch me. I spent nearly a month in hospital and realised just how much my independence had been taken away from me. Going from being completely independent to relying on others for everything left me feeling helpless and frustrated.'
Ongoing Physical and Psychological Challenges
Mike has since undergone gruelling rehabilitation and counselling for ongoing physical and psychological symptoms, including ongoing pain, reduced mobility, flashbacks, anxiety, and PTSD.
He added: 'When I was finally able to come home, I had to use a wheelchair and couldn't even access the upstairs of my own house. While I'll always be grateful to my partner for caring for me, the collision placed enormous strain on both her and the rest of my family.'
'Since the collision, I've continued to experience flashbacks and nightmares linked to the incident. I remember hospital staff discussing the possibility that my arm may need to be amputated because of the severity of the injury. For a long time afterwards, I would wake in panic during the night, checking that my arm was still there.'
'Before the collision, I lived a very active life. I was a member of running and mountain biking clubs and regularly took part in races. Being active wasn't just a hobby for me, it was a huge part of who I was and how I lived my life. Because of my injuries, I'm still unable to ride my bikes or take part in activities the way I once could.'
'Most importantly, I still can't be the dad, partner and person I was before. Even simple things like playing football with my children, going on walks or enjoying holidays together are much harder both physically and mentally.'
A Marathon for Charity
'I've worked incredibly hard on my rehabilitation and recovery and gradually rebuilt my fitness to the point where I was able to complete a marathon in support of the North West Air Ambulance Charity, whose team helped save my life at the roadside.'
'No family should have to experience the physical and psychological trauma we've endured because of someone else's choices. By speaking out, I hope others understand the devastating consequences careless driving can have and the importance of road safety.'
Legal Response
Rakhi Chauhan, the serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Mike, said: 'Mike is incredibly lucky to be alive. Hundreds of lives are lost every year by dangerous and reckless driving.'
'Mike was running a route he had taken several times a week for years when, through no fault of his own, he was involved in this life-changing incident. Since that day, his injuries have continued to have a profound impact on both him and his family, and while he's making progress, he still faces significant physical and psychological challenges.'
'We remain focused on helping Mike access the specialist rehabilitation, treatment, and ongoing support he needs as he continues his recovery. This case also serves as a stark reminder of how lives can change in a split second because of the careless actions of other road users.'
Richard Logan, 51, of Newman Street, Hyde, appeared at Minshull Street Magistrates' Court on June 10 after pleading guilty to serious injury by careless driving and perverting the course of justice.
