BROKEN SPINE

Greymouth Evening Star, 14 April 1927, Page 9

BROKEN SPINE

TRIUMPH OF DOCTORS’ SKILL. In spite of a broken spine, Robert Thomas (34), a seaman, of Burlington Street, Barry Dock, London, completed a 3000-mile journey on a stretcher. He lies at Barry Accident Hospital unable to move, but happy in the thought that his greatest wish has been gratified. Thomas, a member of the crew of the steamer Rothley, which was in Philadelphia harbour, was struck by a derrick and thrown into one of the holds of the vessel. With his skull fractured and the vertebral column of his spine broken, he was taken to St. Agnes Hospital, where for upwards of a month skilled medical men fought for his life. Notwithstanding his serious injuries Thomas slowly revived, and although-paralysis set in his condition improved to an extraordinary extent.

As he became better Thomas repeatedly expressed his earnest desire that one day lie would be allowed to go home to his wife and child. His plea fell on sympathetic ears, and after extensive preparation had been made by the hospital authorities Thomas was dispatched on his homeward journey. Nurses were provided to attend on him, and a special saloon took him to New York harbour. From there he was conveyed to the hospital aboard the Majestic and when the liner docked at Southampton he w r as carried to a waiting ambulance, reaching Tarry later. Soon afterwards his wife and little daughter went to see him. Although a helpless invalid, Thomas now lies happy and comfortable in the hospital.