Man left in coma and loses leg after horror crash

A man who nearly died in a crash has described being “flung 15 feet into the air” after he hit a barrier. Richard Jones from Neath was travelling through Carmarthenshire when his car flipped and caused him catastrophic injuries. The human body holds 10 units of blood, and Richard required 100 units in total to survive. He spent 10 days in a coma and he later lost his right leg. Ahead of National Blood Donor Week he has shared his story to thank the donors who saved his life. He hopes it will encourage others to give blood with the Welsh Blood Service. Stay informed on Carms news by signing up to our newsletter here Describing what happened, Richard said: “From what I was told, I’d taken the turning, hit the barrier, and was flung 15 feet up in the air.” Thanks to the quick actions of a passerby, a former Army medic helped Richard by applying two makeshift tourniquets, reducing the bleeding. Other members of the public helped to keep him conscious until Wales Air Ambulance arrived. Richard said: “There was a lady by the name of Jane. Jane had come over to grab my hand, talk to me and keep me awake, and she said as the sirens were getting closer and closer, all of a sudden then she could hear the helicopter. I was worked on for 45 to 50 minutes.” Medics immediately administered six units of blood at the roadside, stabilising him enough to be transferred to Morriston Hospital. Richard spent ten days in a coma and sustained extensive injuries, including a shattered hip, multiple fractures, a torn posterior cruciate ligament, and severe trauma to both legs. His right leg was later amputated above the knee due to a severed artery. Over the following weeks he underwent nine major surgeries and required a further 94 units of blood. Richard says the kindness of strangers, both at the scene and from blood donors across Wales, is the reason he is alive today. “At the time, I had no idea how many people it would take to save my life," he said. "Looking back now, it’s overwhelming to think how many strangers stepped forward to help me.” During his long recovery, Richard met his partner, Michaela. Today they are proud parents to their young son, Dougie. Since the accident, Richard has adapted to life with a prosthetic limb and continues to share his story to inspire others to donate blood. “Since recovering from my accident the biggest part was getting my life back on track," he recalled. "I eventually found a job and applied and got it with Dyfed-Powys Police. Since starting that we bought a house. I never thought I’d be where I am today, doing what I’m doing. “I would just like to say a huge thank you to anyone donates blood, without you, I wouldn’t be here. You never know whose life you’re going to save or change.” Alan Prosser, Director of the Welsh Blood Service, said: “We always say one donation can save three lives, but in Richard’s case it took a community of lifesavers. “One hundred units is a staggering amount of blood for one person to receive. It’s only possible because people generously give up an hour of their time to help people in need. “National Blood Donor Week is the highlight of our annual calendar. However, the summer months can be especially challenging, with hot weather and more donors travelling abroad affecting donation levels. “If you can do it, try giving blood this summer, and help people in their time of need, just like our donors helped Richard.” To find out more and book a blood donation, visit www.wbs.wales/NBDW26 Get daily breaking news updates on your phone by joining our WhatsApp community here . We occasionally treat members to special offers, promotions and ads from us and our partners. See our Privacy Notice