Let’s help Jim get back on his feet

Hi it’s Tiggy and Vicky and we need your help

As some of you may know, our dear friend and cousin Jim Mackrell was involved in a hit and run accident whilst cycling home from work on late afternoon of Wednesday 9th August.

Although there was one witness, the driver left the scene leaving Jim injured at the side on the road near Pera Place in Bath.

Jim had suffered severe fractures of his “tibial bone” from which recovery will take some considerable time. Not least because of the extensive wait for the ambulance and subsequent delay in the pinning of his shattered tibial plateau (the main weight bearing part of his shin bine).

A further operation at the BRI is scheduled for Tuesday 15th August to attempt more intricate and specialist repairs and pinning to his leg.

This specialist op will help the bone fragments fuse together and hopefully, put him on his first steps to (what will no doubt) be a lengthy period of recovery.

To confound this, we recently had the wonderful news that Jim is expecting his first child with his lovely girlfriend Leona. Baby Mackrell is due in January.

Both Jim and Leona are employed in the hospitality trade, Jim specifically is an integral fixture of The Volunteer Rifleman’s Arms in Bath.

I’m sure no one will be offended if we say he is everyone’s favourite barman and always ready to cheer you up on a bad day.

Leona has also been suffering from a severe form of morning sickness and is due to work up to her expected hours (despite all the current difficulties), so that she is entitled to her full maternity pay.

So to the point.

We know Jim and Leona would never dream of asking for help, but would be the first to offer it should any of us find ourselves in such difficult circumstances.

With a baby due, all their plans and scant savings for the little ones arrival are set to be used to cover a shortfall in Jim’s wages (particularly when they are further reduced by statutory sick pay).

For reasons well beyond their control this lovely couple are struggling right now. They are going to need help with general household costs and transportation to and from appointments for both of them.

We know they will be grateful and humbled no matter the size of your contribution, particularly in the current climate. Even just a couple of quid will go a long way to help.

The pictures aren’t nice but put into perspective the severity of his injury. Probably at least 6 months in cast and operations to rebuild his leg.

Thank you for taking the time to read this,

Love from Tiggy and Vicky on behalf the families and friends keen to contribute without embarrassing them.