Connor Gosling, 37, from Luton, was test-riding a Kawasaki Ninja on the A421 near Bedford on 6 November 2021 when a Vauxhall Corsa, driven by someone twice over the legal alcohol limit, entered the dual carriageway the wrong way down the exit ramp and smashed head-on into him. 

The collision left Mr Gosling with a severe thigh fracture, with part of the femur having to be removed and multiple facial fractures. He has undergone several operations, with more surgery planned due to ongoing complications. In the future, he is likely to require a hip replacement and a wrist fusion due to developing arthritis. 

Despite months of gruelling rehabilitation—including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and psychological support—Mr Gosling continues to rely on crutches and is unable to return to his job as a train driver, a role he had enjoyed for more than 17 years. While he has taken on a light-duty office role, he fears he may never return to the career he loved. 

Mr Gosling with his daughter, Freya, aged 2 and a half, who was born shortly after the incident. 

The driver of the other vehicle, Alexandra McGarthland, was found to be twice over the drink-drive limit. She later admitted causing serious injury by dangerous driving and driving over the prescribed limit after failing a roadside breath test. In August 2022, she was sentenced to two years in prison at Luton Crown Court and banned from driving for five years. 

Following his ordeal, Mr Gosling instructed serious injury law expert Christalla Christodoulidou of Thompsons Solicitors, with the backing of his union, ASLEF. He has since received compensation that reflects the severity of his injuries, his ongoing rehabilitation and treatment costs, and the devastating impact on his career. 

Now, he is using his experience to raise awareness of the life-changing consequences of drink driving. 

"Because of someone else's reckless choice to drink and drive, my life has changed forever,” he said. I hope my story makes people stop and think before taking that risk—because it’s simply not worth it. 

“When I woke up in the hospital, I felt an overwhelming sense of guilt, worrying that I might have hurt someone else. It was only later that I learned the truth—that I had been hit by someone who should never have been on the road in the first place. 

“As the weather improves, more people will be stopping by the beer garden to enjoy time with friends and family. I just urge them all to consider their actions. A split-second decision to leave the car and get a taxi could have prevented what happened to me. 

“Instead, my life and career have been immeasurably impacted. I can’t do the hobbies I once loved, and I may never return to the job I once enjoyed. It’s been incredibly hard even getting back to where I am now. 

“I am very grateful to my legal team and union for their support during this incredibly difficult time. The help I have received has been invaluable, and while the compensation cannot undo what has happened, it will go a huge way towards securing my rehabilitation and allowing me to move forward with my life.” 

Mr Gosling suffered serious injuries in the road traffic collision.

Thompsons Solicitors has long campaigned for greater awareness of the dangers of drink driving and its devastating impact on victims. Christalla Christodoulidou from the firm said: "This case is a tragic reminder of the catastrophic consequences of drink driving. No prison sentence can undo the devastation caused to Mr Gosling’s life, and we hope his bravery in speaking out serves as a warning that no one should ever take that risk." 

Mr Gosling remains focused on his recovery but hopes that by sharing his story, others will make better choices. 

"If my story makes even one person think twice before driving under the influence, then speaking out will have been worth it. I wouldn’t wish this pain on anyone." 

With the backing of ASLEF, Mr Gosling was able to access specialist legal representation through Thompsons Solicitors - experts in serious injury claims who fight for justice on behalf of injured workers. Trade unions provide invaluable support in securing compensation, rehabilitation, and long-term financial security for their members when the worst happens. 

Mick Whelan, general secretary of ASLEF, the train drivers’ union, said: “While we always hope that nobody has to suffer in the way our friend and colleague did, we have to recognise that these things happen, and we are always proud to have the support of our partners Thompsons Solicitors, in getting the right outcomes and the proper redress for our members when required.”