'I want losing my leg to be a force for good'

An adventurer and martial arts enthusiast says he wants the experience of losing his leg in a motorcycle crash in South America to be "a force for good" in his life.

Luke Tarrant, 28, from Bedford, had to have his left leg amputated after the crash in Colombia in May. He was later left fighting for his life after contracting sepsis in hospital.

A fundraising page set up to support him, which has raised about £50,000 within two weeks, has left him "lost for words and overwhelmed".

"It's been a bit tough but you've got to look on the bright side, I'm still alive," he said.

Mr Tarrant, who moved from Bedford to Hackney, London, was an investment banker for five years until he began motorbiking across America 10 months ago.

He was planning on continuing his travels through Central and South America to Argentina - as well as Antarctica.

But at the end of May, he was riding through Colombia, heading for Ecuador, when he crashed, close to Medellín.

"I don't remember it," he said.

"I had to get myself to the right hospital, and then things went a bit south after I had my left leg amputated.

"I managed to contract sepsis, had blood clots and fluid on my lungs - basically I was fighting for my life on a ventilator.

"I've just managed to pull through, trying not to lose any more limbs."

The amateur Brazilian jiu jitsu fighter said he still needed further treatment, having suffered a broken collarbone, fingers and hand - and his right leg was also broken.

He was travelling with his best friend, Jack Aldred, also from Bedford, who, he said, had "not left my side". His parents David and Daniela Tarrant, from Oakley, close to Bedford, have also joined him.

"Whatever happens next I'm ready for it, I'm just going to keep on cracking on," he said.

"I'm determined, I want this to be a force for good."

The adventurer said he had travel insurance, but the money being raised would be used to "get me home and pay for any future costs".

"I'm just unbelievably grateful, I feel touched that people want to help, I just want to say thank you," he said.

"I'm blown away and lost for words. It's been quite overwhelming."

Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a story? Email [email protected] or WhatsApp us on 0800 169 1830