downsmail.co.uk
Ex-Army amputee is back in driving seat
ANAYLESFORDHGVdriverwho lost his legs inaTalibanbombblast has been named a national hero after fightinghiswayback to work. Adam Francis (39)was serving as
a TA reservist in Afghanistan when an explosion beneath his lorry caused catastrophic injuries. But the father-of-five was deter-
mined to get back the life he had be- fore the incident in November 2012, and re-took his HGV test without the examiner knowing his condition. Now he has been honoured with
the Inspiration Award at the Sol- diering On Awards, hosted by broadcaster Angela Rippon. Adam was driving a Jackal light- armoured vehicle in a four-vehicle fire support group when he went over the explosive device. His right leg was amputated by the force of the blast and the right one had to be removed at Bastion Hospital. Every internal organwas ruptured and his back and neckwere fractured. “I don’t remember any bang,” he
said. “Just a really bright light. Then I remember being pulled out of the
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hospitalwas to get home to his fam- ily by Christmas, which he did. A former infantryman with the Mercian Regiment, he continued to challenge himself, first walking within three months, then volun- teering for experimental robotic prosthetics. Later, he returned to his civilian
job as a driver with XPO Logistics, having taken a re-test without telling the examiner he was a double am- putee. He handles a 20-tonne lorry with no special modifications and his company is so impressed that it invites him to speak to employees as an inspiration to others. He also returned to riding his
beloved motorbike, and joined the True Heroes racing team, which helps injured service personnel get back on the track. Since receiving his award, Adam,
vehicle. To be honest, I thought Iwas a goner.” His first goal when he woke in
wholives in Headcorn with his wife, Liane, has made a video, telling his story of survival. He said; “You can’t change what’s happened, so you’ve got to move forward and make a new life.”
News
Villagers’ bid to slow traffic
RESIDENTSin East Malling have re- launched their Speedwatch group in a bid to stop drivers breaking the limit in their village. Parish clerk Michelle Tatton de-
cided to get the scheme going again after reports of speeding. The group, which reformed after a few years of inactivity, hopes to join existing Speedwatch schemes in Larkfield, Wateringbury and Teston. The East Malling group marked its relaunch at the junction ofChapman Way and New Road by spotting its first speeding driver. The driverwas doing 47mph in a 40mph zone. Mrs Tatton said the first day was considered a success in helping to stop “the blight on the village”, as it was not about catching people, but promoting safe driving. The group thanked Cllr Trudy
Dean for funding equipment from her KCC member’s grant, and Kent Police’s community Speedwatch co- ordinator Alan Watson for helping to train the volunteers. The group posted on Facebook:
“We have volunteers ready to start and more residents have come for- ward. This morning we were at the junction onChapmanWay andNew Road. Who knows where we will pop up next ... but if you would like to join us, please get in touch.”
downsmail.co.uk
Malling April 2017
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