Not many people would brave a smile after being trampled by a 30-stone bull. But farmer Hillary Hutchinson is just thankful to be alive suffering horrendous injuries and a misshapen skull following a cattle stampede on his own farm.
The 55-year-old was herding more than 600 cattle across a remote road near his property last August when they suddenly turned on him and trot on his skull. Mr Hutchinson said he doesn't remember much of the accident, which left him with permanent brain damage. 'I was with my son, Andrew, and all was fine to begin with but then the cattle turned back and ran straight at me,' he said. 'I don't remember very much, but what I do know is that the bull stood on my head. 'He's a big fellow, over 400lbs, and he caused a considerable amount of damage, I am very lucky to have survived.' Doctors and paramedics from the Great North Air Ambulance flew to the farm and treated him at the scene before airlifting him to Newcastle Hospital.
Mr Hutchinson, 55, endured two lifesaving brain operations and spent more than three weeks in a coma following the accident. He still needs regular therapy to correct the speech impediment caused by the brain damage and people regularly look twice when they notice his misshaped head.
'When I was in a coma everyone was thinking the worst. I thought for weeks I wasn't going to make it,' he said. 'It was the skill and dedication of the air ambulance team that made all the difference, they did a really remarkable job.' His wife Di said the family had been to hell and back and she wouldn't wish the accident on her worst enemy. Despite all he has been through, Hillary is now vowing to return to work early next year on his farm in Northumberland. 'I'm definitely going back,' he said. 'It'll be no bother'
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