The pictures on this page are graphic and disgusting. I would advise against looking at them but I know a few of you sick people have come especially.
 
On Wednesday 26th March 2003 at about 12:10pm, I was in the office and after hearing shouting coming from outside I went to investigate. Outside one of our engineers was being whaled on by some big guy. I tried to pull him away and BANG! I was hit in the side of the head with a knuckle duster. My right eye shut instantly and I knew I was damaged, although how damaged didn't become clear for a couple of days.

I attended Fazakerley A&E immediately and after a brief wait I was suddenly the centre of attention for 20ish doctors. I must say, they were excellent! they were attentive, caring, calm and most importantly competent. The problem was identified quickly and drugs to stop the retrobulbular haematoma (blood clot behind my eye ball) were administrated. After a CT scan it was straight off for some emergency surgery and a couple of hours later I awoke with a headache and a plastic tube dribbling blood from below my eye.

After seeing the consultant the true extent of my injury came to light. I have 3 fractures of the eye socket, a broken cheek bone and over 50% of people who get a retrobulbular haematoma lose their sight from that eye. I have been incredibility lucky in this regard as my sight is fairly clear and they expect me to make a full recovery. I do need more surgery next week to fix my eye socket and cheek but I consider these insignificant to what could have been the catastrophic loss of my right eye. I have been pondering how much of my life would have had to change if the doctors hadn't performed the miracle they did. Imagine, no more football (goalie's need depth perception), massively reduced visibility, and all of the potential future problems if and when my sight deteriates with age.

I like to look for positives in every situation and the very best one I can take from this random act of violence is to be grateful for my sight, I will look at things and appreciate there beauty more, savour every game I can play and accept that no matter how big and strong I am steel is harder than bone.

5th April Update

Firstly, thank you all for the many emails of support I have received.
I returned to hospital on 3rd April for the second operation. This one was to repair my eye socket and cheek bone. After they took some x-rays they noticed I also had a broken nose. They decided to fix this for me also, which was nice of them.

23rd April Update

Well, 4 weeks ago today it happened. Seems to have passed really quickly. I'm pleased to report that I am well on the mend. The swelling has nearly all gone and my eye looks fairly normal again. I have been astonished at the amazing repair job my body is carrying out. I have never had an injury before that I have been able to observe and to see the daily improvement has been a wondrous thing, in more ways than one! The human body is the most versatile tool you will ever have access to. Appreciate it!

I like to stay positive and another fringe benefit I have discovered is that pretty girls love scars.

Excellent !