Driver's family thanks public for their generosity in donating to online GoFundMe appeal – the oil tanker driver was seriously injured in a crash in Beauly High Street and since diagnosed with a brain tumour
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The family of a tanker driver who was seriously injured in a crash in Beauly in September have been "overwhelmed" by the kindness and generosity shown by people since then.
The oil delivery vehicle smashed into the front of an empty shop in the centre of the Highland village on September 16 and the driver was airlifted to Raigmore hospital.
A CT scan revealed that he had a brain tumour and, following treatment, the right half of his body has been left paralysed and his speech has also been affected.
His family has since set up an online appeal with donations now totalling more than £12,000.
His pregnant wife, Chloe, said she wanted to thank everyone who had donated and added: "We are hopeful that now the physiotherapy has started there will be some good news to share soon in terms of movement on his right hand side but this could be a slow process according to the doctors and we don't expect him home for weeks/months.
"Our wish at the moment would be that he would be well enough to come home for the baby coming in February but will have to take everything day by day for now.
"We have been overwhelmed with the kindness and generosity so many people have shown. There are honestly no words to explain just how much this means to both of us."
Following the scan at Raigmore he was transferred to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary where staff carried out a biopsy to identify the type of tumour.
He was transferred back to Raigmore Hospital on October 15 for further rehabilitation – once results of the biopsy are returned he is due to start chemotherapy to reduce the size of the tumour.
The crash was shortly after midday on September 16, when the oil delivery vehicle careered down Croyard Road before ploughing into the former Co-op shop in Beauly Square.
A total of 14 fire engines were sent to the scene with one casualty able to walk away from the accident while a second had to be cut free from the tanker.
The vehicle was removed by 7pm that evening after emergency services had made sure the building was safe by putting props in place to support it.
One eyewitness said the driver “was a hero” because he had steered the tanker away from a nearby car park.
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