A YOUNG mother is lucky to be alive after being knocked unconscious and left nursing a broken arm by a reckless biker.

Donna Gillson is unable to care for her two young daughters after being hit by the off-road bike as the rider sped along the pavement on a Middlesbrough estate.

The 23-year-old had just dropped her two-year-old daughter, Chloe, off at her mother's house in Langridge Crescent, Berwick Hills, and was heading back to her car when the accident happened at 6.15pm on Friday.

She walked down the garden path and stepped on to the pavement, only to be struck by the bike.

"I was going for a driving lesson, so dropped off my little girl and was heading back to the car when the bike seemed to come from nowhere," she said.

"I can't remember it hitting me, and I didn't hear it coming. The next thing I knew was waking up on the grass verge and in a lot of pain."

Fortunately, Mrs Gillson's husband, Martin, was waiting in the car for her and saw the accident.

She was taken to The James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough, by ambulance where she was treated for her injuries.

Although she was allowed to return to her home in Low Mead Walk, Park End, the pain is so severe, she is unable to care for Chloe or her six-week-old daughter, Sophie.

"I know I am very lucky," she added. "I just keep thinking how glad I am that I didn't have my little girls with me at the time. I get really upset and feel sick when I think what could have happened."

Mrs Gillson said she hoped other reckless bikers would learn from the rider's stupidity.

"There is a problem with motorbikes in that area and something has to be done," she added.

Mr Gillson, 28, said he was taking at least two weeks off work to care for his wife and daughters.

"I was in shock," he said. "I dialled 999 and the rider stayed for a bit, but then he just walked off with a couple of lads."

Anyone with information is asked to call Cleveland's Road Policing Unit on (01642) 326326.