Harry’s battle after ladder fall

Harry Andrew

HARRY Andrew, one of Shaw’s most engaging characters, should this weekend have been celebrating his golden wedding anniversary with his wife Sheila and family.

Instead the 76-year-old is facing the biggest battle of his life after being left paralysed in a fall.

The former groundsman at Shaw Cricket Club has been paralysed from the neck down after falling from a ladder while helping out at the club.

Harry had been trimming the hedge at the club’s Mark Lane ground as a favour for the team he has served for almost 60 years when he lost balance and fell.

It is ten weeks since the accident and with the anniversary weekend coming up, the family have spoken about the accident for the first time.

Harry’s son, Dave, was at work when he heard news of the accident and rushed down to the ground.

He said: “I was working and the news filtered through, it was someone out walking their dog that found him.

“They managed to get hold of me by taking my dad’s diary out of his pocket and getting my number, I was completely shocked and made my way straight down there.”

Harry is currently receiving treatment at Salford Royal Hospital and neither doctors nor Dave have ruled out the possibility of him walking again.

“He’s still in hospital and getting great care from the staff at the hospital. He’s making small gains and although it is unlikely, you can never write it off.

“Naturally humans prepare for the worst but we all still hold out hope. In the end only time will tell.”
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