27-year-old Shaun Whiter, from Newmarket, parked his car at the side of Dullingham Road after receiving a call from his friend, Joey Abbs who had pulled over at the side of the road after suffering a punctured tyre on his drive home on Friday July 1.
Shaun was helping Joey change the tyre at around 10.55pm when a Ford Focus ploughed into the two parked cars.
Former Newmarket Town footballer Shaun was pinned to the boot of his car, while Joey, who currently plays for Soham Town Rangers, was trapped between the two cars.
The pair were then airlifted to Addenbrooke’s Hospital, where they were treated for their injuries. Shaun’s injuries were so severe that both legs were amputated below the knee.
Police are now on the hunt for the driver of the Ford, who failed to stop after the incident.
PC Ian Masters from Cambridgeshire Constabulary, said: “This was a serious collision and has sadly resulted in life changing injuries for the driver of the BMW.
“I am particularly keen to speak to the driver of the Ford Focus who did not remain at the scene.”
Both men are still in hospital, but Shaun posted a message of thanks on his Facebook page yesterday (July 4).
He said: “I want to say a massive thank you to each and everyone for the messages of support.
“I can’t get through them all with responses; it’s an amazing feeling knowing each and everyone of you are there for support and thank you so much. I want to thank all family members that have helped us so much and with out them I don’t know where I would be.
“This is the same for both friends and the Cambridge Addenbroke’s nurses. We are 100 per cent fighting to get out of this place and will be with you shortly, but again please keep the visiting up, we love it.”
30-year-old Abbs, who has also played for Cambridge City and Newmarket Town, was due to return to action for Soham Town Rangers in the coming days, and joint first team manger, Dave Theobald, says that he has the support of the whole club.
“I’ve had a brief chat with Joey and he’s quite low at the moment as you can imagine,” he said.
“He’s had a couple of operations and there’s significant swelling so he’ll have more scans before they know the full extent of the injury.
“It’s a horrific accident which will hopefully be dealt with by the police. Joey and Shaun are both likeable lads and people have really taken to them both. It’s fantastic that people are going so far to support them.
“I think a few of the lads at the club are planning to visit Joey this week and everybody is wishing them both well.”
A JustGiving page has been set up in support of both men, and £5,700 has been raised in less than 48 hours.
The justgiving is at this link
https://crowdfunding.justgiving.com/s-masters?amp%3Butm_term=xZj8qk83w&utm_id=66http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/former_footballer_loses_legs_and_current_soham_town_rangers_player_seriously_injured_after_horrific_hit_and_run_in_newmarket_1_4604735
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