Injured Lloyds British GBmoto Kawasaki star James Ellison has returned home from his extensive Hyperbaric chamber treatment on the Isle of Man. After just three weeks since his massive Brands Hatch crash that saw him break his femur, James has made a remarkable recovery – already capable of light exercise and cycling. The team will now assess his situation over the next few days in preparation for a possible Cadwell Park return.

Following the horrific looking crash in the second race at Brands Hatch, James Ellison was first treated by the fantastic MCE British Superbike Championship medics at the circuit before being transferred to Kings College Hospital in South London. After having further checks at the hospital, which confirmed a break to the ball at the top of his right femur, James underwent surgery which pinned the break.

Released from hospital just four days after being admitted, James travelled to the Isle of Man where he underwent an extensive Hyperbaric chamber and physiotherapy programme. Alongside the incredible work undertaken by the team, who opened their facilities on the weekend especially for the GBmoto rider, James has also been working hard on his fitness and after just three weeks is now able to bare weight, exercise and even cycle.

Continuing his Hyperbaric chamber treatment in Preston, James will then head to a specialist sports rehabilitation centre in London later this week to continue his speedy recovery. The Lloyds British GBmoto Kawasaki team will then assess his full condition in line with the MCE British Superbike Championship rules early next week to see if he is capable of racing at Cadwell Park.

James Ellison spoke to us about his whirlwind few weeks;

“It’s certainly been a bit of a crazy time since Brands Hatch! I left hospital on the Thursday following Brands in a bit of a GBmoto Team Green ‘breakout’ as Stalker and Mark came and got me, but we didn’t think it was wise to travel all the way home in one go so they took me to my brother Dean’s house where I was going to stay for the night. I actually had a bit of a scare while I was there with some really serious chest pains that resulted in another trip to the hospital. Thankfully I was checked out the next morning and got to spend a night at home with the family before heading to the Isle of Man to use the incredible Hyperbaric chamber and facilities there.

It was Cal and Lucy Crutchlow who actually sorted us with the ferry over there, so I can’t thank them enough – when we arrived they even had a shopping bag full of essentials! I also need to say a massive thanks to my friend Robin Croft of SMT who kindly gave me, Sarah and Ryder his flat to stay in while we were there. It then became a bit like Groundhog Day for the next two weeks with two, one and a half hour sessions in the chamber every day as well as specialist physio sessions with Cath Davies. They did an unbelievable job, I walked in on the first day on crutches and two weeks later left walking and cycling, so the biggest thanks goes to all the guys there.

I got back home on Sunday to find a friend of mine who owns SMP Ltd in Preston had sorted a chamber for me to use so I was straight back in there on Monday morning and will be using it every day. I’m off to London on Thursday to use a specialist sports rehabilitation facility for a few days and will then sit down with the team and discuss if Cadwell is a possibility. If I can pass the BSB medical tests then we’ll be there, but if not then it will be at Donington – either way I’ll be doing my best to get back into the Showdown!”

Lloyds British GBmoto Kawasaki Team Principal Mark Smith-Halvorsen said,

“The rate of James’ recovery has been outstanding and he has done everything he can possibly do to speed up his return – he’s stronger, both physically and mentally, than any of us imagined he would be at this stage. We’ve been in close consultation with the BSB organisers who have made it clear what tests James will need to do upon his return so we’ll sit down with him and discuss whether Cadwell is possible.

The last thing we want to do is rush his return and risk causing further damage, but if he's capable of passing the safety test ahead of Cadwell then we will look at getting him out on the Lloyds British GBmoto Kawasaki machine ahead of the race weekend. James is eager to get back out there and fight his way back into the Showdown - he's currently only 12 points behind Chris and 18 behing Tommy Bridewell so it's entirely possible!

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