Finlay walks again to see fireman hero
A BOY critically injured in a road accident paid an emotional visit to the firefighter who saved his life.
It was feared Finlay Collins might never walk again after he was struck by a car and van and dragged along when he was crossing the road on his scooter.
But the eight-year-old surprised fireman Mick Massey by walking into his retirement parade at Bolton North Fire Station.
Mick, described as ‘the absolute heart and soul of the fire station,’ had no idea of the planned gesture, and was brought to tears by the brave youngster. He’d just left work last July when he came across the accident in Crompton Way, Bolton.
Finlay’s mother, Michelle, 33, said her son would not have survived the accident if Mick had not been there to give him first aid.
She said: “He would have bled to death. I have got my baby boy because Mick saved him.”
Finlay, from Bolton, suffered a shattered partially amputated left leg, a broken back, a fractured skull, a broken arm, several bleeds on the brain and a multitude of burns and large open wounds in the accident.
Michelle said: “Though he’s been left with many disabilities and longterm physical, neurological and mental issues, the skillset and quick thinking of Mick not only saved Finlay’s life but also his leg.
“I’ve said it before and I still stand by it: He was our angel in our greatest time of prayer.”
Finlay is a huge Liverpool FC supporter and was wearing the club’s shirt on the day of his accident. At Mick’s leaving parade the firefighters presented the youngster with a green away shirt - the same colour as their green watch.
Michelle said: “It was a wonderful gesture as Mick was a member of green watch and he’s worn it every day since.”
Mick’s colleagues arranged for Finlay to be at his parade after bumping into Michelle and finding out about Finlay’s progress.
The 53-year-old, who lives in Harwood, said it was an emotional occasion.
He said: “It was very humbling. I wasn’t expecting to see Finlay at all. I had no idea.
“Then when I saw him walking I thought, don’t cry, but it was very emotional so I shed a tear or two.
“Finlay was in a critical state after the accident and it didn’t look good so he has done really well to recover. Seeing him capped a wonderful retirement parade.”