Back to work pledge of man who lost a leg
AMAN who has worked at Manchester Airport for half a century said he’s determined to go back to work – despite losing his leg last month.
Devoted employee David Oakes, 66, from Stockport had his right leg amputated above the knee in April, meaning he is currently in a wheelchair.
He’s been unable to work during his recovery and has had to scale back his volunteering at Hasty Lane Horse and Pony Sanctuary in Altrincham.
But the determined cargo worker says he’s got a mortgage to pay and will go back to work as soon as possible.
It’s an impressive attitude considering his active role at the airport, where he drives a forklift truck and moves cargo.
He’s hoping to get a prosthetic limb, so he can get back in the driving seat.
David is also keen to get back to volunteering at his sanctuary, where he needs to look after his ‘four legged friends,’ he says.
He usually holds fundraising events for the sanctuary, but has been unable to do so since the operation. That means he’s paying towards the horses’ upkeep himself.
He said: “People think I’m nuts, but I have a mortgage to pay. I do get some grief. I need to work for the next few years. The four legged critters need looking after.”
Medics discovered blood clots in both David’s legs earlier this year and planned to put a stent in his groin to get the blood pumping again.
Sadly, they were unable to save his right leg and he had to have it amputated last month.
Speaking of his ordeal, he said: “I was in hospital for three of four weeks. It was terrible. I got phantom pain in my leg, as the nerve endings were still looking for the foot.
“I’m not doing too badly at the moment. When the pain kicks in I have to take my painkillers, but they can take about half an hour to start working.”
Back in November we reported how the airport hosted a party for David, to celebrate his 50 years of service.
He got his first break in a cargo warehouse when he was just 16 and was drawn to the industry to get cheap flights to visit his best friend who moved to Canada.
Over the years, he’s had numerous bizarre jobs to do – he helped dispatch lions to Malaysia, captured parrots loose in a plane’s hold and loaded dolphins onto Concorde.
If you want to help donate towards the Hasty Lane Horse and Pony Sanctuary, then visit the Facebook page Hasty Lane Horse And Pony Sanctuary to find out more.