A FORK lift truck driver who died of head injuries after a motorcycle stunt went wrong helped give new lives to others.

A Burnley inquest heard how most of Terence Ashton's organs were used for transplants - although it meant a pathologist could not examine all his body.

East Lancs coroner David Smith said circumstances had been "just a bit unusual," and if he had been consulted, he would have had the pathologist present when the organs were removed - although they must have been healthy or they would not have been used for transplants.

The hearing, at Burnley Magistrates' Court, heard Mr Ashton, of York Street, Church, died aged 36, in the Royal Preston Hospital on Tuesday June 22, three days after the accident.

His sister, Ann Turner, of Hindle Street, Darwen, told how he had been riding a motorcycle on land by industrial units at Simpson Street, Hapton, when he hit a parked car. He was taken to Burnley General Hospital then to the Royal Preston. He died without recovering consciousness.

Pathologist Dr Zuhair Twait, said he had suffered fatal head injuries.

Anthony Holgate, of Hardman Close, Knuzden, had an industrial unit on the Hapton site and had gone there intending to work on his motorcycle.

He was sitting on the bike on the access road when Mr Ashton asked if he could have a go and tried to do a "wheelie". Mr Holgate showed him how it should be done.

Mr Ashton hit a pothole, went over the handlebars and fell on the back of his head. He was still holding the bike which hit a car.

Mr Holgate added Mr Ashton was not wearing a crash helmet, but was on private land.

Recording a verdict of accidental death, Mr Smith said Mr Ashton was inexperienced, not so much on motorcycles, but at doing "wheelies".

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