Alf back in business after accident horror
A carpet fitter from Shropshire has reopened his business after a two-year journey to recovery from an accident that almost killed him.
Alf Groves, 56, shattered his pelvis and suffered severe internal injuries when his van rolled on top of him. He was airlifted to Birmingham's Selly Oak Hospital after the accident and has been on a long and painful road back to health and being able to walk again.
But now Mr Groves, who lives in Conduit Lane, Bridgnorth, has reopened Carpet Shack in the town in new premises in Faraday Drive.
He said: "I nearly severed my pelvis in the accident. It has taken three operations to get me where I am now
"They just could not get my pelvis in line because it was split at the top and bottom, with the middle bit holding it together.
"My family and friends have really been helping me out. A friend from France rang me straight after the accident to see how I was and even came back to the UK for six months, helping me get around."
The accident happened outside the Cradley Heath home of his daughter, Jo Graveling, in June 2010, when Mr Groves had gone round to help repair fencing panels.
"The van was parked on a steep hill and rolled onto Mr Groves as he went to unload the vehicle.
Mr Groves, who was a keen rugby player, had to use a mobility scooter for months afterwards.
He said: "I'm walking now but I'm never going to be 100 per cent because I'll always have plates and pins in my pelvis area."
Mr Groves said he was inspired in his recovery by seeing the bravery of soldiers wounded in Afghan-istan who were flown in to Selly Oak on a daily basis.
"I've now reopened Carpet Shack in Faraday Drive," he said.
