On the 16th of July 2017, our friend and fellow MX racer, Kevin Martin Friend was involved in a life changing motocross accident, whilst competing in his last race of the day in the GEST Championship round at Canada Heights Motocross Track in Swanley, Kent. Kevin has been a keen motocross rider for 36 years, of which 32 he has been affiliated with the GEST Club. He is a very likeable person within the motocross scene, always happy, always makes time to stop and chat to ensure everyone is okay. I’m sure his wife Ruth, children and friends will also agree.

It is unknown what caused Kevin to lose control of his motocross bike on race day but luckily medic’s were at the scene in seconds and he was treated trackside until the heli team arrived. He was later airlifted to Kings College Hospital and put in an induced coma. After several weeks Kevin was stable enough to be transferred to his local intensive care unit at Canterbury Hospital, which made it a lot easier for his family and friends to see him. Kevin progressed well whilst in the ITU unit and he was eventually weaned of the ventilator machine and began to have some feeling in his hands along with some involuntary movements in his toes.

Due to the extent of Kevin’s Injuries, the medical team advised for him to be transferred to Stoke Mandeville Hospital for intensive specialist rehabilitation. Kevin managed to secure a bed there and has been an inpatient there for a few weeks now, which is a 5 hour round trip for his family.

It is not yet known to what extent his Injuries will play however it is likely that he will be needing specialist equipment and adaptions made to his home.

Unfortunately Kevin did not have any insurance and as such we are trying to raise funds to help financially support him and his family at this time. Also to purchase any equipment he may need or any specialist services he may require.

Friends of Kevin Martin Friend.