£7m for paralysed bike crash victim

Photographer Holly Raper had been enjoying the adventure of a lifetime when she crashed on a dairy farm on King Island, off Tasmania, in 2011. She was left partly paralysed.

Now, five years on, Holly is still fighting to regain full consciousness, but has finally won a landmark court ruling giving her almost £7m compensation.

The 27-year-old, from Chorley, was awarded more than £6.8m from the farm because she was not properly trained to use the bike or given a helmet.

This follows a workers’ compensation scheme claim which gave Holly £175,000 in 2013.

And after fully supporting her since the accident, Holly’s parents are ‘relieved’ they can now focus on giving her a better quality of life.

The money will be used to help with adapted accommodation, transport, care, therapy and medical care.

Chris and Elaine Raper, in a statement, said: “We are relieved the long legal process is at an end and Holly will be able to continue to receive the support she needs.”

“Our thanks go to all Holly’s friends, family and past colleagues for their love and support since her accident and to the medical professionals, both in Tasmania and Royal Preston Hospital, who have, and continue to, take such good care of our daughter.”

They also thanked Judge Stephen Estcourt and legal teams in both countries.

Peter Rigby, from Fletchers Solicitors, representing the family, said Chris and Elaine ‘dedicated their lives to giving Holly the best care possible’.

He said: “This judgment allows them to get the professional support, treatment and equipment Holly needs and for her to have the best possible quality of life.”