BEING HIT BY HORSE ‘CHANGED MY LIFE’
AMAN who was knocked down by a horse at an agricultural show has told how the incident changed his life. Andrew Williams, from Talbot Green, was left in an induced coma after the horse ploughed into him at Bridgend County Show.
All the 55-year-old c a n r e me mber is being hit f rom behind... and then, nothing. He said: “I don’t really know what happened. I was thumped from behind and woke up in hospital and said, ‘ Where the hell am I?’ “I landed on my back and the horse ran back over me. “According to my family, the horse wasn’t being led, there were no safety measures. They put me in an induced coma. It’s changed my life. “The injuries on my back and chest mean I can’t sleep at night, and have to sleep sitting up. My family and friends are constantly looking after me.” Andrew, wh o ha s epi- lepsy, was attending the show at Pencoed College with his cousins when the incident happened.
Emergency services were called and he was taken to the University Hospital of Wales, suffering head injuries.
Andrew is now on heavy medication. He’s also using an asthma pump three times a day. And as he is epileptic, his family now take extra precautions with him.
His sister Paula Lewis said: “I was told what happened by Andrew’s partner and I rushed to the hospital. The doctors told us they weren’t sure of the extent of his injuries, so we were told to prepare for the worst.
“Then we were told the good news that he hadn’t broken any bones. I’m just pleased he’s alive. He suffers from epilepsy and I thought his fall could damage his brain.
“He’s my rock and I’ll do whatever I can to look after him. Ever since our mum passed away, we’ve become so close. But now his life has changed.”
Paula and Andrew say they feel disappointed they have had no contact with the organisers of the show or the owner of the horse.
Organisers declined our request for a comment.
Andrew is thankful to be alive and wants to thank the paramedics and hospital staff. He said: “What they’ve done for me, I can’t thank them enough. They told me afterwards they don’t know what could have happened. “The paramedics were so helpful and the hospital staff helped me every step of the
way.”