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Mike Denan was left fighting for his life with a broken back and his foot hanging off after he was dragged down the drive, across the road and into a hedge
Around seven years ago, on a bank holiday Monday, Mike and Margaret Denan were gearing up for another caravan trip, a routine they had followed countless times before. However, this particular journey was to take a horrifying turn when a series of unfortunate events led to Mike being dragged under the moving caravan, resulting in severe life-threatening injuries.
As they attempted to manoeuvre their twin-axle caravan off their sloping driveway in Drury, Flintshire, the movers malfunctioned, causing the caravan to roll uncontrollably.
In an effort to halt the runaway caravan, Mike rushed down the drive to apply the manual handbrake but was tragically run over by the caravan. His foot got entangled in the chassis, pulling him underneath the caravan. For the biggest stories in Wales first, sign up to our daily newsletter here
Margaret recounted the terrifying incident: “It just sucked him under like a rag doll and dragged him all the way down the drive and across the road, until the caravan came to a stop in the hedge over the road.”
Emergency services were called and it took them two hours to free a critically injured Mike from beneath the caravan, reports North Wales Live.
He was then airlifted to the Royal Stoke University Hospital, renowned for its specialist trauma unit, where he received extensive medical care.
“He had multiple injuries,” Margaret revealed. “He had broken his back, his foot was hanging off. He broke his shoulder and ribs. He had numerous lacerations – he was in a bad way. The air ambulance saved his life really.
“Only for the fact that the axel had holes in it, his foot had caught in one of those, if it hadn’t he would have been dead now. He was lucky to be alive.
“During his treatment they also discovered he had broken his neck years ago when he used to play rugby.”
Despite his injuries, 80-year-old Mike has made a commendable recovery. He still experiences leg pain but remains active and is the driving force behind the spectacular Christmas lights display at their home, which spreads festive joy to all who witness it.
Their residence is adorned with twinkling lights, shimmering icicles, Christmas trees, jolly snowmen, reindeers and, of course, Father Christmas himself. It takes Mike several weeks to test the lights, followed by an additional three weeks to install them.
“People come up the drive to take pictures with them,” shared Margaret, aged 77. “Before we have not done it for charity, we have always done it to put a smile on people’s faces.”
Their neighbour, Lesley Jones, had proposed that they utilise the lights to fundraise for the Wales Air Ambulance, which played a crucial role in saving Mike’s life.
Tragically, Lesley passed away earlier this year. In her honour, Mike has chosen to raise funds for the Wales Air Ambulance.
A collection tin has been placed at the end of the wall, and a JustGiving fundraising page has been set up for donations.
On the JustGiving page, Mike stated: “We have done these Christmas lights for everyone’s enjoyment, however, this year, we thought we’d also try to help the air ambulance.”
He continued: “With multiple life threatening injuries, air ambulance attended and saved my life. I wouldn’t be here without them.”
Those wishing to contribute to Mike’s festive charity lights appeal in aid of the Wales Air Ambulance can do so by clicking here.
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