AMPUTEE HERO COP IS BACK ON DUTY
Brave Phil gets hero’s welcome
A BRAVE Scots police officer who lost his leg on duty has returned to work 19 months after the incident.
PC Phil Hedge-Holmes was forced to have his left leg amputated above the knee after a car crash in Glasgow on May 31 last year.
The 46-year-old, who has five years of service, spent more than nine weeks in hospital where he underwent several surgical procedures and intensive physiotherapy.
Now he has returned to work with a hero’s welcome from his colleagues.
The Scottish Police Federation tweeted: “Some excellent news! Our colleague Phil HedgeHolmes has his first day back at work today.
“It’s been a long 19 months for Phil but he was always determined he’d be back, and we are delighted to see that he is.”
They were joined in praising the cop – who won a bravery award – by Scottish Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf.
He tweeted: “Seeing Phil receive his Bravery Award was one of the most moving moments I have ever had the pleasure of witnessing. He and his family have shown an incredible amount of courage and fortitude. Delighted to see him back in uniform!”
In March, we told how Phil was able to take his first steps just six weeks after losing his limb.
The inspiring father of one thanked his wife for her support during his recovery. Phil said: “I would not be here today without my wife Kelly. She is just absolutely amazing. The all-round support has been really overwhelming.
“After I walked for the first time, I had to sit down and got quite emotional. Because there was so much damage, I didn’t think I was going to be able to walk but it was at that moment that I realised this was really the start of my recovery.
“What’s happened has changed my life. It will change my life forever. But I’m still here.”