Mapperley: Santa's elf needed surgery after being hit by car

Image source, Gedling Round Table

Gedling and District Round Table raised about £4,000 last year by doing sleigh runs

By Caroline Lowbridge

BBC News, Nottingham

One of Santa's elves has left hospital more than two weeks after he was hit by a car and suffered "potentially life-changing injuries".

He was hit while volunteering for Gedling and District Round Table, which arranges for Santa to tour part of Nottinghamshire in a sleigh each year.

He has had multiple operations to his arm, shoulder and leg.

Police have closed their investigation, saying they found "insufficient evidence" of any offence.

However, Gedling and District Round Table has launched its own appeal, and has asked for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to come forward.

Chairman Jack Cook said the "devastating road traffic accident" had left the man with "potentially life-changing injuries".

"The road to recovery will be long and arduous, demanding extensive medical care and rehabilitation," he said.

"The extent of his injuries remains significant and he left hospital on 20 December after undergoing major operations to his arm, shoulder and leg involving metal work, ligament repair and potential long-term nerve damage."

The collision happened on 4 December at the junction of Porchester Road and Sandford Road in Mapperley.

Police said a 75-year-old man was voluntarily interviewed but they found "insufficient evidence" of careless or dangerous driving.

Gedling and District Round Table raised about £4,000 last year by doing sleigh runs.

Mr Cook asked motorists to "exercise extreme caution and vigilance" on the roads, "especially around Santa sleighs as there are often families and children crossing the roads nearby".

A Nottinghamshire Police spokesperson said: "Officers attended Porchester Road, Mapperley, at around 7pm on 4 December, after a man was hit by a car.

"The man was taken to hospital following the incident after sustaining multiple fractures and injuries to his knee and shoulder.

"An investigation was subsequently launched by the police, in which a 75-year-old man was voluntarily interviewed.

"Insufficient evidence was found of careless or dangerous driving by the driver involved in this incident, so the investigation has now been closed."

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