Lewis Rimmer’s loved ones are rallying around him as he remains in critical care in a coma following the shocking incident
Lewis Rimmer with his wife Sarah and daughters Amelia and Maddison
A dad-of-two is in an induced coma with ‘life-changing’ injuries after a quick trip to the shop turned into an ‘unimaginable’ tragedy.
Lewis Rimmer, 42, had taken time off work on the afternoon of October 27 to spend time with his family to celebrate his daughter’s birthday.
Just before 1pm, he popped into the Sainsbury’s Local on Darwen Road in Bromley Cross, Bolton, to buy a lottery ticket.
What unfolded next has left Lewis fighting for his life in critical care. His wife Sarah, daughters Amelia, 10, and Maddison, 5, and his wider family and friends have had their ‘world turned upside down’.
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Lewis was out of his car, and in the car park of the Sainsbury’s when he was struck by a Range Rover. The car also struck the shop building.
Emergency services, including the air ambulance, rushed to the scene following the horrific crash and Lewis was airlifted to the Royal Preston Hospital.
The driver of the Range Rover, a 56-year-old man, was also taken to hospital from the scene. Greater Manchester Police said he had been driving in the Sainsbury’s car park with his boot open prior to the collision.
A Range Rover ploughed into the Sainsbury’s Local on Darwen Road(Image: Manchester Evening News)
The driver was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and driving whilst unfit through drugs.
He was bailed pending further enquiries. He remains on bail at this stage while the investigation continues, GMP confirmed.
Lewis, described by his loved ones as ‘humble, honest and hardworking’, suffered ‘severe and life-changing’ injuries in the incident.
He remains in hospital in critical care in an induced coma, with his family, who are from the Bromley Cross area, by his side.
His friends are now raising money for Sarah, Amelia and Maddison. Both Lewis, who works in a car garage, and Sarah will be unable to work for the foreseeable future as they focus on Lewis’ recovery and caring for their family.
Lewis with his family(Image: Family handout)
Describing what happened on the day of the incident, Lewis’ close friend Andy Tonge, 42, said: “Lewis had taken half a day off to take his girls out for lunch for is eldest daughter’s birthday, during half term and nipped into Sainsburys to buy a lottery ticket.
“What unfolded is unimaginable and a shock to the whole community.”
Andy added: “It has turned Lewis’ family’s world upside down. The extent of his injuries is severe and lifechanging.
“He remains in an induced coma, the road to recovery will be long and the family and friends are pulling together to support each other and Lewis through this emotional time.”
Lewis, an avid Manchester United supporter and keen golfer, has undergone more than 30 hours of surgery since the incident.
Andy said: “We already knew our Lewis was strong willed but since the incident on 27 October he has been defying medical odds.
Lewis remains in critical care after the incident(Image: Family handout)
“He has now undergone over 30 hours of surgery and continues to fight for his girls, Sarah, and family.”
He added: “Lewis is one of the most decent blokes I know: humble, honest, hardworking and a true friend to everyone in his extended circle. This is only the start of a very long journey.”
Andy said the family have been left overwhelmed by the support of the local community. So far, more than £47,000 has been donated on the fundraiser.
Andy said: “Sarah, all the family and friends have been overwhelmed, deeply touched and can’t believe how much the community are pulling together.”
Andy offered his thanks to everyone who has donated so far. He added: “Let’s keep the donations coming in.
“Sarah and Lewis won’t be able to work for the foreseeable, and they’ll need to make some changes to their day-to-day life so this will really help take that pressure off, anything people can give will really help them.”
Lewis with his best men Andy Tonge and Ben Hardman (Image: Family handout)
To read more about the fundraiser and donate, click HERE.
After the incident, GMP issued an appeal for any witnesses of the incident, or anyone with further information, to come forward.
A spokesperson said: “Investigators are now appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the incident to come forward.
“They are also keen to speak to anyone who may have any CCTV footage, including dashcam, mobile phone footage from the area in the moments leading up to the incident.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact GMP on 0161 856 4741 or using LiveChat online, quoting reference number 1481 of October 27, 2025.
Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.