A former corporal who had his left foot amputated following an injury while on base has secured a settlement from the Ministry of Defence.
Richard Davies, 37, was an RAF corporal when he was injured while based at RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus. An aircraft engine transportation trailer was towed into the back of his left foot while he was participating in a cargo moving exercise. Despite undergoing a four-hour surgery to reconstruct his foot, multiple infections meant Richard had to have a below-the-knee amputation in July 2021.
Richard's lawyers at Irwin Mitchell secured him an undisclosed settlement from the Ministry of Defence. The father-of-two said: "My injury put an end to my military career and I missed it for a long time. But now I know there are so many other opportunities for me out there and I feel like I can look to the future with some certainty and security.
"The settlement has also helped pay for a bungalow and car to suit my needs, as well as prosthetics and wheelchairs. I can live life knowing me and my family are looked after." Richard was 10 years into his service, and had been promoted to the position of Corporal, when he was injured while based at RAF Akrotiri in May 2019.
Richard Davies before and after his accident (Irwin Mitchell/SWNS)Following the 12-week recovery period, Richard returned to the RAF on crutches. In June 2020, he had surgery to remove one of the five pins in his foot. However, it failed to improve his condition and led to him having the amputation surgery. Richard lives with his wife Toni, 36, his son Rhys, six, and daughter Paige, three in Norwich, Norfolk.
New Year resolutions you should make for 2023 based on your star sign
He said: "I tried pain therapy and took medication, but nothing worked - I was constantly in pain. Just wearing shoes was uncomfortable and my foot hurt even when I laughed. I found myself being short and snappy with my family and I was upset and fed up of missing out on quality time with them.
"So when I was told I would need to have my foot amputated at some stage, I decided to have it done as soon as I could. The surgery, in some ways, gave me my life back. Of course I had to adapt how I did things, but it's become easier over time and I want to make others aware of what's possible when you put your mind to it."
Richard instructed expert military injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help him access the specialist support, therapies and rehabilitation he requires. He is now marking Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month by revealing how he refuses to let his disability stop him from living life. Richard has gone on to win four gold medals at the Invictus Games and is also training to be part of a world record attempt later this year.
Richard Davies with his wife Toni and daughter Paige (Irwin Mitchell/SWNS)The Limbitless Expedition World Record Trek involves taking on The Snowman Trek as the first and fastest amputees to do so. The challenge will take around 35 days as The Snowman Trek is the longest hiking trail of Bhutan which extends from Laya to the high Bhutanese Himalayas.
Simon Harrington, the specialist military injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, said: "Richard's life has been changed forever by the terrible injury he suffered while serving in the Military and his story is a stark reminder of the need to ensure the safety of our service personnel.
"However, he continues to be a huge inspiration to everyone with the way he's courageously moved forward with his life without letting his disability define him. He's made excellent progress with his recovery. It's such a privilege to know Richard and I'm so proud of how far he has come."
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
