A Winnipeg man was left a quadriplegic after he was hit while riding a motorcycle last month. He's now speaking out from his hospital bed.
"I was thrown to the ditch," said Neil Klippenstein. "Had I moved to the right I would have been sandwiched and it wouldn't have been a pretty story."
In August, Neil was riding his motorcycle near Lagimodiere Boulevard. He was stopped at a red light when he was rear-ended by a car.
"When I first saw Neil I was devastated," said a relative of Neil's, Pete Kilppenstein. "I couldn't believe it. I didn't want to believe it."
Neil, a father of four, only began speaking Sept. 22. "There is much to be thankful for. I have my mental capacity and I have been steadily getting stronger," he said.
The 50-year-old will never ride, let alone walk again. On Sept. 24, family and friends will ride for Klippenstein to not only raise money but also awareness.
"Be aware of bikers, look ahead. Bikers watch your mirrors when you stop at lights," said Pete.
While police continue to investigate the crash the victim has moved past blaming the driver of the car. "He must have a very hard time with guilt and my message to him would be to forgive him and I hope he can forgive himself," said Neil.
Registration for the Ride for Neil starts at 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 24 at the Winnipeg Evangelical Free Church, 500 Lagimodiere Boulevard. Or call Dolores Fracassi at 791-3013 or email dlrsfracassi@gmail.com
-With a report by CTV's Stacey Ashley
