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Biker Michael Banfield lucky to be alive after collision with Land Rover in Whitstable

A biker says he is lucky to be alive after his body shape was imprinted on the side of a Land Rover following a terrifying crash at a busy junction.

Michael Banfield, of St George’s Avenue, Herne Bay, was part of a convoy escorting two youngsters to a prom when he was involved in the accident.

The 48-year-old suffered severe facial injuries during the crash, which happened in Whitstable at the turning with Joy Lane and Borstal Hill.

The scene of the crash
The scene of the crash

Mr Banfield said: “When I was in hospital I was told my family could have been arranging my funeral now.

“I was lucky because, from looking at some of the photos, my head hit one of the strongest parts of the Land Rover. All I can remember is coming down the road and all of a sudden this Land Rover came straight out in front of me.”

Mr Banfield was rushed to the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford following the crash on Friday evening, where he received treatment for fractures across both sides of his face and nose.

He is now recovering at home, but is facing months off work.

Mr Banfield in hospital
Mr Banfield in hospital

Mr Banfield added: “I still have pain – my head hurts and aches and I can’t eat properly because of it.

“A lot of people helped really quickly at the crash and I would like to thank everyone who was there.

“It won’t stop me from carrying on riding, but I need to get better.”

Mr Banfield – whose Yamaha trike was written off in the crash – is part of the Krazy Broken Bikers Club, which aims to help the community by putting on a number of events.

Michael Banfield suffered severe facial injuries in a crash in Whitstable
Michael Banfield suffered severe facial injuries in a crash in Whitstable

As part of his charity work, he was escorting two youngsters to a prom at the Community College in Whitstable when the smash happened.

Mr Banfield said: “We don’t charge anything for it. We just do it out of the kindness of our hearts to make the people involved very happy.

“I am still going to carry on doing as much as possible – it is about giving to the community.”

Police spokesman Amanda Wills confirmed officers were called to the crash at just after 6.30pm on Friday.

She said the driver of the red Land Rover Discovery involved was not injured.

No arrests were made.

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