A jogger is in hospital battling life-changing injuries after being hit by a car just a week after his wedding.
Electrician Matt Retter was on a morning run when he was hit by an SUV which was reported to have left the scene following the crash.
The 41-year-old was rushed to hospital by emergency services, where he underwent a five-hour operation.
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Matt has lost mobility in his right arm and hand and may require further extensive surgery.
It happened on the A3072 near Highampton, Devon, just days after his wedding to Sarah, as reported by Need To Know.
His friends at Okehampton Round Table have now launched a fundraiser to support Matt and his wife Sarah as he faces a long and uncertain journey of recovery and rehabilitation.
Chris Brown-Martin, Vice Area Chairman of Okehampton Round Table, said: “Matt and Sarah should have been enjoying the beginning of their new life together.
“Instead, just one week after their wedding, their lives changed completely.
“As an electrician, Matt’s injuries mean that he is currently unable to work, creating further uncertainty for the newly married couple at an already incredibly difficult time.”
The fundraiser had raised £6,400 at the time of writing, with the money intended to help with loss of income, everyday living expenses, rehabilitation, specialist care, equipment, adaptations or anything else that may help Matt during his recovery.
Chris said Matt was someone who was always willing to help others without seeking recognition.
He said: “Matt is a very quiet guy. He’s the sort of bloke who will turn up, get stuck in, help everybody else and then disappear into the background before anyone gets a chance to thank him.
“He doesn’t want praise or recognition.
“That’s simply the sort of person Matt is.”
Matt has supported the local carnival and tar barrels and regularly given up his time to help with the Round Table Santa Sleigh.
In 2013, he was also part of a team that kayaked around the South West and helped raise more than £12,500 for charity.
Chris also explained that Matt had supported him after he was diagnosed with Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency in 2013.
“When I needed help, Matt was there for me.
“Now Matt needs help, and I want to be there for him.”
Following the crash, a 43-year-old man from Bideford was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by careless/inconsiderate driving, causing serious injury by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by driving while disqualified.
He was also arrested on suspicion of failing to stop after a road accident, driving while unfit through drugs, driving without insurance and driving a motor vehicle on a road after refusal of a grant/revocation of a driving licence on account of disability.
Okehampton Round Table also thanked Phil Johns, an Ambulance ECA, and Kirsty Pritchard-Rocket for helping Matt after the crash.
Chris said: “They were first on the scene when Matt desperately needed help, and their actions helped save his life.
“What they did that day was incredible.
“Matt’s family and friends, and all of us at Round Table, will be enormously grateful to them.
“Nobody yet knows exactly what Matt’s recovery will look like or how long it will take.
“What we do know is that Matt and Sarah shouldn’t have to face it alone.
“Matt, you’ve spent years giving your time and helping put smiles on other people’s faces.
“Now it’s our turn to stand behind you and Sarah.
“From all of us at Okehampton District Round Table, our friends, families and community:
“We’re with you both every step of the way.”
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