Family's upset after horror crash leaves teenage motorcyclist in coma

Steven Chipps has been by his daughter Penny's bedside, along with her mum Sarah McNiff, since the crash in Crookhorn last week.

Close friends and her boyfriend Bailey Skull have also been at the college pupil's side at Southampton General Hospital.

Young Penny had been riding her custom-painted purple Honda CBR 125 near South Downs College, where she studies outdoor adventures, when the crash happened.

The part-time Subway worker suffered a head injury, a punctured lung and multiple fractures throughout her body.

Mr Chipps said she is stable and improving every day after the crash in College Road on Friday at 2.15pm.

The 46-year-old of Portsea, said: 'Police phoned me up and let me know, I was shocked '“ it's taken a long time to sink in.

'I felt every single emotion you could feel all at the same time '“ you're angry, emotional, crying.

'I couldn't sleep or eat for the first few days.

'Penny is beautiful and the most caring, loving person. She is so polite and just a genuinely nice person.

'Everyone is blown away by her when they meet her for the first time because of how lovely she is.'

Mum Sarah said she was 'devastated' but added: 'The support has been phenomenal.'

Mr Chipps thanked the hospital staff and the air ambulance crew for their care and said he could not ask for more.

Both he and Penny's boyfriend '“ 20-year-old Bailey Skull '“ said they have been amazed by the support from the motorbike community, with a ride out and fundraiser planned on Saturday.

Mr Chipps added: 'The support people have given is unbelievable.

'It has been overwhelming and we want to thank everyone for it.

'We are really grateful to those who have organised Saturday's event for Penny.

'Everyone has been willing to help and wants to help which we are thankful of.'

Former St Edmund's Catholic School pupil Penny had been riding her motorbike for two months after earning her licence four months ago.

A ride-out in support of her will take place from Mick's Monster Burgers on Portsdown Hill on Saturday from 4pm. A fundraiser is being held at the Springbridge Farm Cafe and Butcher Shop in Eastleigh, where Penny and Bailey attended a biker night.

Chef Bailey, who lives with Penny in Gosport after the pair met got together eight months ago, said: 'It's heartbreaking - I was the one who got her into motorbikes.

'I didn't sleep for two days - it's hard to sleep and eat and process all of that.

'Penny has got the biggest heart, she's never had a bad intention to anyone.'

Bailey has been bowled over by the support from people.

'I'm hoping that everybody will come together,' he said.

n A 39-year-old Ford Transit driver from Havant, a man, was arrested on suspicion of drug-driving but released from custody under investigation.