'I feel lucky,' says Carlisle man who lost his leg one week before retirement

By Dave Gudgeon

Last updated at 08:44, Friday, 24 October 2008

A Carlisle sporting hero has spoken for the first time about the horrific rail accident which resulted in him having his leg amputated.

Raymond Renyard

Raymond Renyard remained conscious throughout a 45-minute wait for medical help after he was hit by a 15-tonne rail loader on an isolated rail track in August.

The brave 65-year-old, who was just a week away from retirement, signed a consent form half-way through surgery after consultants decided that partial amputation was the best option.

The pensioner, now recovering at his Carlisle home, later joked with his wife over the phone that she ought to buy him a parrot like Long John Silver.

Raymond, well-known as a boxing coach to former city star Gary Sanderson and for his cricket and soccer exploits, said: “It may sound strange but I actually feel lucky.

“I’ve had first-class treatment from the NHS and unbelievable support from my work colleagues. They’ve raised hundreds of pounds through a sponsored parachute jump. My wife has been reduced to tears by their generosity.

“I’ve had wonderful support from my family and friends and I’m hoping by Easter to be wandering around on my false limb. People go through worse than this.”

Raymond, of Waldegrave Road, Longsowerby, was working alongside the tracks near Nuneaton in the early hours of August 30 on part of the West Coast Main Line rail upgrade project when his life was turned upside down.

He said: “I was hit by a rail loader and my foot was almost severed. But incredibly I did not feel any pain. The lads with me covered the injury with their coats.”

Raymond has been undergoing intense rehabilitation at Carlisle’s Cumberland Infirmary and at the moment he is sleeping downstairs and getting round in a wheelchair.

“This won’t change my retirement plans,” he added. “I’ve got gates and fences to make for my grown-up family and when I’m back on my feet, that’s what I’ll be doing.”

First published at 05:14, Friday, 24 October 2008
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk