> At a Glance
> – Lewis Rimmer, 41, had his left foot amputated after being hit by a car
> – Crash happened minutes after celebrating daughter’s birthday lunch
> – Driver, 56, arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and DUI
> > Why it matters: A routine weekly lottery run turned life-changing, highlighting how quickly everyday errands can end in tragedy.
A father-of-two is re-learning how to walk after a driver struck him outside a café, shattering what began as a family birthday celebration.
The Moment Everything Changed
Lewis Rimmer had taken the afternoon off work to mark his eldest daughter’s birthday. After coffee and cake with wife Sarah and their girls, the 41-year-old walked a few doors down to buy his weekly lottery ticket-an errand he never finished.
Sarah told News Of Los Angeles he was hit before he reached the shop, leaving him with:
- A broken pelvis and both femurs fractured
- Three snapped ribs and a compound shin break
- A ruptured bladder and two bowel tears
- Severe damage to his left foot that surgeons could not save
Counting the Cost
Airlifted to hospital, Lewis endured more than 40 hours of surgery. His foot was amputated, and doctors rebuilt his pelvis and legs with rods and screws. He remains in hospital facing months of rehab.
Sarah Rimmer said:
> “He went to buy a lottery ticket and lost his left foot. He couldn’t believe it.”
Police later arrested a 56-year-old man on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and driving while under the influence. His name has not been released.
Family Forced to Be Brave
The couple’s daughters, five and ten, have visited the intensive-care unit and now know more about trauma wards than any child should. Their mother says both girls “have been fantastic through it all,” drawing strength for their dad.
Sarah added:
> “You can’t just sit and wallow. Lewis agrees-you’ve got to be strong for the kids and move forward.”
A GoFundMe launched to help with medical bills and home modifications has drawn wide support. Sarah calls Lewis “amazing” and “such a strong person,” but admits he still has “a long road ahead.”
Key Takeaways
- A routine family outing turned catastrophic in seconds
- Lewis faces extensive rehab after losing his foot
- The suspected driver was arrested on DUI and dangerous-driving charges
- Community donations are helping the family adjust to a new normal
As Lewis begins the daunting task of re-learning to walk, the Rimmers hope their story reminds drivers of the irreversible damage one reckless decision can cause.
