A SOUTHAMPTON crash survivor has been given renewed independence thanks to a charity in Portswood.

Steve North experienced life-changing injuries and reduced mobility during a horrific collision in 2016.

Having previously never taken a driving test, early this year Steve contacted Wessex Driveability, Portswood, for a driving assessment with a view to obtaining his licence and regaining independence.

The 39-year-old is now taking lessons in an adapted vehicle with a brake/accelerator lever hand control and steering aid three to four times a week.

Driveability is a driving mobility charity that offers professional information, advice and driving assessments to people seeking independent mobility.

On the day of the accident, Steve, from Basingstoke, was walking with his wife when two vehicles collided on the bridge they were crossing.

Mr North was hit by one car and the impact propelled him over the side of the bridge and he landed feet first on the carriageway below.

He said: “My wife and I were going out for breakfast, as it was my birthday.

“I heard a bang and felt the impact of the car – but I don’t remember much after that.

“I fell fifty feet on to the road below.”

Steve added: “I guess I was lucky that that road was unusually free of vehicles.”

Steve was initially flown by air ambulance to Southampton Hospital where he was placed in a coma for ten days.

He was transferred to Salisbury Hospital where doctors fought successfully to save his twisted left leg, only to later have his right leg amputated at the knee.

Steve comments: “I left hospital in February 2017 and used a wheelchair initially but now have a prosthetic leg.

“I have ongoing physiotherapy and I’m due to have further surgery later this year to fuse my left ankle and relieve pain.

“Unfortunately, I have been warned there is a chance I could lose my left leg during the operation.

“Having had a few driving lessons many years ago, I have decided that now would be a great time to obtain my driving licence as I would like to retain independence long-term.”

For more information on the charity visit https://www.wessexdriveability.org.uk.