Melton woman reflects on her recovery from traumatic hit-and-run road incident

Kayley Hicken was waiting for a taxi outside a friend’s house in Thurmaston, almost nine years ago when a white VW Golf mounted the pavement and ploughed into her, dragging the mum-of-one under the car.

She suffered a catalogue of injuries, including a traumatic brain injury, a double left leg fracture, pelvic fractures, as well as a torn liver and internal bleeding.

Kayley (35) spent more than a week in a coma and more than two months in hospital – doctors described her as an ‘unexpected survivor’.

As she continues her recovery, Kayley wants her story to highlight the issue of dangerous driving as part of national campaign, Road Safety Week.

She said: “The collision changed everything in an instant. I suffered multiple injuries and the recovery has been long, painful, and exhausting - physically and emotionally.”

The Golf driver has never been traced but Kayley was able to secure compensation for her injuries.

Kayley, who has a 13-year-old son called Lukah, spent two months in Queen’s Medical Centre, in Nottingham, and continues to suffer symptoms including pelvic and leg pain which affect her mobility and significant scarring from her injuries.

“I’ll always be angry at the driver and what they did, especially driving off and leaving me for dead,” she said. “Clearly, they have no conscience.

“What happened will always stay with me, but I’ve learned to try and control the things I can, such as my recovery, and trying to make the best life I can for my family.”

After undergoing cryotherapy – a treatment that uses extreme cold to promote healing and act as a pain relief – as part of management for her leg pain Kayley still suffers, she recently launched her own business Cryovive in North Street, Melton Mowbray.

Kayley added: “Even after all these years I still suffer with pain, especially in my left leg. It really affected my mobility. I can only walk short distances and particularly struggle to carry anything.

“I started having cryotherapy as part of the rehab and it made such a difference to me that I thought if it helped me that much it will help others.

“I can’t thank my family and everyone else who has supported me over the last few years. I’m not sure I’ll have got through it without them.

“By sharing my story, I want others to see that there is hope after a life-changing injury and I hope that it will make others think twice and take care on the roads.”

Kayley’s family instructed expert serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help her access the specialist rehabilitation and the funds have also helped Kayley access the specialist support she requires and to move into her own home.

Kelly Lingard, the expert serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Kayley, said: “Kayley’s case vividly highlights the devastating consequences of crashes and how lives can be turned upside down in a split second.

“This settlement means Kayley can now continue to access the care and support she needs to regain more of her independence.”