Help Chris Rakestraw - life changing spinal injury

We have been trying to think of a way to describe what has happened to Chris, a wonderful Son, Brother, Grandson, Nephew, Cousin and friend…

The day Chris' life changed:

Chris never stopped, he was always on the go, just like most other energetic, fit and healthy 23 year olds. But tragically, since September 19th, through no fault of his own, Chris has not been able to move. He has been left with significant life changing injuries after a vehicle hit him as he was standing with his younger Brother and friends.

Chris is now in critical care at Stoke University Hospital. Immediately following the accident, he had an operation to remove his broken C2 vertebrae and repair his C8 vertebrae. He has had a cage inserted to stabilise any further damage to his spinal cord, which was crushed upon impact. He was then sedated and on a ventilator for 10 days.

Chris currently has a tracheotomy in place to assist his breathing with the addition of oxygen. He will spend at least 8 weeks lying flat on his back with a neck collar. He is currently receiving food through his nose and his medication through an IV drip. It is still too early to ascertain whether he will ever have full use of his arms and hands. At this time, Chris does not have any feeling or movement in his legs or lower torso.

Depending on how well Chris responds to treatment, the plan is to refer him to the Robert Jones and Agnus Hunt Hospital for Spinal Injuries in Oswestry. He will have rehabilitation for at least 9 months to help him cope with his life changing injuries.

A little more about Chris:

Ironically Chris’ first love was anything car related. He has devoted his young life to it. This included modifying his car for drifting at track days around the country and attending all manner of car related events with his Brother and Grandad. His attention to detail was second to none, a skill which he put to good use through his work in car valeting for Land Rover. He had just secured a new role with Honda and his dream was to eventually run his own detailing business. He also loved mountain biking and his X-Box, but most of all he enjoyed spending the best of times and lots of laughter with his friends.

How you can help him:

Chris’ family are currently doing everything they can think of to help him adjust to this terrifying situation. He is allowed one visit per day for 1 hour from one person, his Mum, who completes the 200 mile round trip each day. The rest of his day revolves around various visits from the team of Surgeons, Doctors, Nurses and Physiotherapist at the hospital to whom we are so very grateful. In between times, Chris is alone with his thoughts and trying to come to terms with this devastating news.

Chris is finding this situation incredibly difficult and is obviously distraught, which has a huge emotional impact upon him, his mum and family. With this GoFundMe page, we are reaching out to you to help Chris so that his life can be made as comfortable as possible.

He faces an incredibly long journey into the unknown. Any donations will be gratefully received.

Please note, no raffles, sweepstakes, giveaways, or returns on investment are offered in exchange for any donations made to this GoFundMe page.