A former Commonwealth Games cyclist whose career was ruined after he was hit by a car has been awarded Britain’s largest ever injury compensation payout of – £14 MILLION.
Talented Manny Helmot, 39, suffered severe physical and brain injuries after he was struck by a vehicle while out on a training ride in November 1998.
He permanently lost the use of his right arm, suffered constant double vision, is registered partially blind and still needs 24-hour care.
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Manny, who represented Guernsey at the 1998 Kuala Lumpar Commonwealth Games, spent 36 weeks in hospital after the crash.
The brain injury impaired his judgement, his moods and his thinking and he will never be able to work, drive – or ride a bike.
Manny’s guardians Rose Helmot and Ken Jordan, who live in Guernsey, gave up work to look after him and launched an appeal for compensation.
They were previously awarded £9m but the figure has now been raised to just under £14m on appeal.
Guernsey’s Court of Appeal ordered the sum be paid from the driver of the car, Dylan Simon, his insurer, Tradex, and the company’s re insurers.
The payout is the largest ever injury claim in the UK – eclipsing the previous record of £11m.
Speaking after the hearing Rose, his mother, said no amount of money could compensate for the injuries he had had suffered.
She said: ”We are really thrilled by the result of the appeal. The extra money will make all the difference in the world.
”His life was ruined, but at least we can now afford to give him the care he needs for the rest of his days.
”All of the money will go into a trust to support Manny for the rest of his life.
”The size of the award is very large but it must last for Manny’s estimated lifetime, which is another 40 years or more, hopefully.
”Manny needs 24-hour care from a team of carers for the rest of his life and the only way that we could have afforded that with confidence was to win this appeal.
”His future should now be secure. We are very grateful to the Court of Appeal and to the Royal Court and everyone who worked so hard for Manny as well as the many experts who helped us prove our case.”
Manny, then 28, suffered severe injuries when he was hit by a car while cycling on the Channel Island twelve years ago.
Prior to the accident the court heard he was an ”extremely personable, well-liked and popular individual” and Commonwealth Games cyclist.
The driver, Mr Simon, was banned from driving and fined after he was convicted of dangerous driving.
But Manny’s career was ended and he suffered serious physical injuries and underwent operation for around eight years.
Manny also suffered mental health problems including a psychotic illness from the result of being treated with a certain drug.
His mother had been forced to give up her job as a carer immediately after the accident and the family home has been converted to cater for his requirements.
But the family said it did not meet his needs including the money he would have earned, how much it would cost to look after him, his pain and his suffering.
In March, a Walsall man, Wasim Mohammed, was awarded a UK record £11.15m after he was left paralysed by a former friend in a car crash.
cycling is a very good way through which we can enjoy with friends. bike or bicycle riding is the most enjoyable rides. but we should beware of accidents. we should drive slow , wear helmets.