Soldier involved in hit and run

Neil Harmer, who served tours of Iraq and Afghanistan, was having a celebratory night out after spending six months being treated for groin cancer.

But before he reached his local social club in Morpeth, Northumberland, he was mown down as he crossed the road outside and the driver fled the scene.

Medics at Cramlington Hospital revealed he had snapped two ligaments in his knee and required surgery, which took him a year to recover from.

Doctors have since told him that he has arthritis in his knee and will need to have his knee replaced.

Facing the prospect of further surgeries and growing NHS waiting lists, Neil decided to take legal action and reached out to Express Solicitors.

He received a substantial £100,000 settlement with the help of Daniel Jamieson, Partner in our Road Traffic Accidents department, who said: “Neil was celebrating being cancer-free when a speeding driver crushed his leg just crossing the street.

“People’s lives can change in an instant and this award will help him with further treatment and secure his family’s future.”

Despite his misfortune, the former army sergeant has remained vigilant and said he wouldn’t change a thing.

Neil, who now trains specialist vehicle engineers across the North East, said: “Don’t get me wrong, this has been a mountain to get over. It’s been a really hard battle. I have seen a lot of horrible things in the army but this has affected me far worse mentally.

“Just when I had beaten cancer this happened. I know most people would have just given up, but I wouldn’t change a thing as it’s part of life’s journey. It has led me to today where I have a great job, life and family.”

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