The sister of a Chichester woman who lost a leg following a motorbike crash near Sidlesham has launched a fundraising appeal to support her recovery.

Tierney Baxter is raising funds for her older sister, Helen, 27, from Chichester, who lost her leg after her motorbike came off the road near Sidlesham at around 11.30pm on Thursday, September 3.

Helen was rushed to Southampton Hospital and underwent 13 hours of surgery, including three attempts at a vein graft, in a bid to save her leg, but doctors were ultimately unable to save it.

Tierney said: “She’s been through an absolutely horrific time, but she’s doing as well as she can considering everything. She’s still very emotional and has had a lot to process, but she’s surrounded by family and getting the care she needs in hospital.

A fundraiser has been set up to raise money for Helen, 27, from Chichester, who lost her leg after her motorbike came off the road near Sidlesham at around 11.30pm on Thursday, September 3. Picture: Tierney Baxter

placeholder image — A fundraiser has been set up to raise money for Helen, 27, from Chichester, who lost her leg after her motorbike came off the road near Sidlesham at around 11.30pm on Thursday, September 3. Picture: Tierney Baxter

"She was back in surgery on Monday (September 7) to reposition the remaining part of her leg, so at the moment we’re just taking each day as it comes and hoping her recovery continues to go in the right direction.”

So far, the fundraiser, which was launched on September 5 with a target of £1,600, has raised £675. Tierney said the money will go towards helping with accommodation and making Helen's life easier while she recovers.

She said: "The money we have raised so far will mainly go towards helping with accommodation and making sure she has somewhere suitable and accessible to live when she’s eventually able to leave hospital.

"We’re hoping it will also help with the changes and adaptations she’ll need to make day-to-day life easier while she recovers and adjusts to everything that has happened.”

Despite everything that has happened, Tierney said she was grateful to everyone who had donated or shared the fundraiser.

She added: "I’m so, so, grateful for everyone who has donated or shared the fundraiser.

"It honestly means so much to me, my mum and Helen, especially at such a difficult time, and any support will make a huge difference to Helen and our family.”

Sussex Police are appealing for anyone with information about the collision to come forward. Information can be reported online or by calling 101, quoting Operation Holdall.

Anyone wishing to support Helen can donate through Tierney's GoFundMe fundraiser.