Gary returns from the edge

When Helensburgh mine worker Gary Hammond arrived at St George Hospital with his skull ripped open, doctors gave him a 3 per cent chance of survival.

His wife and three children were summoned to his hospital bed to say good-bye but his eldest daughter Elesha refused to believe what others regarded as inevitable.

“You don’t know him - he’s not going to die,” she told medical staff.

Today, four months later, Gary and his wife Maria are planning a trip around Australia, he has had further surgery to fill the indent in his head, he’s working out and even cooks dinner.

“It has really made me appreciate life in general, especially my kids,” said Gary, 41.

On 17 September he underwent a six-hour operation to remould the shape of his head with titanium infill. Doctors also sought to repair his right eye which was blinded in the accident.

Miraculously, Gary did not suffer any brain damage when a 20-tonne chain block knocked him into a coma, despite part of his brain being removed.

His recovery is incredible and he puts it down to being so fit - he was training for the City to Surf fun run when the accident happened.

He now works out with personal trainer Elaine Boulton at Coastlands gym three times a week and can leg press 130kg as well as run on a treadmill for 30 minutes.

“I feel great,” he said.

The 28 May accident is still being investigated.