Whilst participating in the Beacon 10 yesterday I heard some bad news that Brian Newton had a serious accident earlier in the week. I don't know Brian personally but by reputation, but I suspect many at the club will know him and will wish to pass on good wishes to him. I've inserted a the following 2 news items from the CTT web-site which give some details.
News at 31/5/08
Brian will not now be transferred to a more specialised hospital but will be treated in the Great Western Hospital, Swindon. This is thought to be good news. He is scheduled to be fitted with a neck brace on Monday. The fitting of a full body splint now seems less likely. It is not known how long Brian will need to be in hospital for treatment but his stay will not be short.
Brian is only slightly less strapped down which will be very difficult for him. He would like visits from friends who can make the trip. The easiest way to the hospital is to exit the M4 at junction 15 on the A419 north, fork left signed to Swindon where you will immediately pick up hospital direction signs. The hospital telephone number is 01793 604020; Brian is in Kingfisher Ward (third floor); visiting hours are 2pm to 5 pm and 6pm to 8pm except Monday when they are 6pm to 8pm.
Arja wishes to thank everyone who has telephoned to offer sympathy and help.
News at 28/5/08
Whilst riding the VTTA(West) club 10 Brian Newton misjudged a corner, touched the verge and was catapulted into a deep ditch. No one else was involved. Brian sustained multiple fractures to his spine, neck, sternum and ribs. Brian was wearing a safety helmet. He has had multiple x-rays and ct scans. Brians nervous system, mental faculties and lower limbs have not been affected and he is clear and coherent. He is, however, fully strapped down and not yet in a position for visits. An operation has not been ruled out but now seems less likely. The current prognosis is that he will be in a full body splint for about six months. Brian is in Kingfisher Ward of the Great Western Hospital in Swindon. He is, however, scheduled to be moved fairly soon to either Bristol or Oxford. No further information is available and Brians partner Arja will be very busy for some while. Goodwill cards from friends would be appreciated.
