In a remarkable tale of resilience and determination, Janet Crook-Moore, a 58-year-old motorcyclist from Bourne, England, is sharing her harrowing experience following a devastating accident in June 2025. The incident occurred during a motorcycle tour from Germany to Denmark, where Crook-Moore and a group of 20 riders were enjoying a serene day on the road. At a speed of just 15 mph, her motorcycle experienced a sudden slip, leading to her being thrown off and subsequently run over by a car towing a trailer.
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Recalling the incident, Crook-Moore described the alarming sequence of events. “It had been raining, and so my back wheel slipped on something and the bike began sliding,” she recounted. “My bike bounced off the car and then I went under it.” Fortunately, a family in a nearby vehicle managed to halt their trailer before it could cause further harm. “It took several people to lift the car off my head,” she said, expressing gratitude for their quick response.
Protective gear proved crucial in saving her life, as her helmet prevented a potentially catastrophic head injury. Remarkably, an ambulance and a doctor happened to be close by and rushed to her aid. “It was quite spooky that the ambulance was there,” Crook-Moore noted. “If they weren’t there to help, I wouldn’t have made it.”
Despite the fortunate timing, the extent of her injuries was severe. Crook-Moore was placed in an induced coma on the roadside due to the gravity of her condition. Upon waking up several days later in the intensive care unit, she faced a shocking reality: she had suffered extensive fractures, including two collarbones, nine ribs, her sternum, pelvis, and her left femur, along with serious damage to her lungs and limbs. “One of the doctors said to my husband that I had given Evel Knievel a run for his money,” she recalled with a bittersweet sense of humour.
The aftermath of the accident saw Crook-Moore spending seven weeks in a hospital in Germany before being transferred to a facility in Nottingham, England, closer to her home. There, she began her arduous rehabilitation journey which started while still in her hospital bed. Through sheer determination, she progressed from a slide board to a walking frame and eventually to crutches.
Despite the immense physical challenges, Crook-Moore has embraced her recovery with optimism. More than a year after the accident, she still faces obstacles, including the inability to fully bear weight on one leg and the necessity of wearing a brace. Yet, her spirit remains unbroken. She has now taken on the role of an ambassador for the National Rehabilitation Centre, where she has learned to walk again, aiming to inspire others who face their own struggles.
Looking ahead, Crook-Moore is resolute about returning to the open road. She plans to ride again next year, with aspirations to convert her motorcycle into a trike, which will allow her to ride safely despite her ongoing recovery. “In June next year, I’m determined to ride again — there will be an international rally in the UK, so I’m getting my bike converted into a trike,” she stated confidently. “People think I’m mad, but I’ve got no qualms about it.”
Her journey of recovery serves as an inspiring reminder of the human spirit’s unyielding strength in the face of adversity. Crook-Moore’s story embodies the essence of resilience and hope as she prepares for her triumphant return to motorcycling, showcasing her undeterred passion for biking despite the challenges she has faced. As she moves forward, Crook-Moore continues to receive support from her family, friends, and the rehabilitation team, all of whom are standing by her side as she embarks on this next chapter of her life.