Memories from a hospital bed - August 2000

by Richard Thomas

Nigel, uncomfortably bending over me as I lay on the counter, telling funny stories to keep me awake and shining a torch along the side of the boat so that I could see….

A voice from a boat as we passed " Blimey, I didn’t expect to meet a train in this tunnel!"

Arriving at the end of the tunnel and seeing the crowds of photographers ready to capture President on film; not one of them saw my head sticking out at counter level. I wonder what they will think when they get their films back…..

The kindness and concern of everyone as I was loaded on to a stretcher and whisked away to Northampton General Hospital.

The doctor "What do you think you’ve done?"… "Broken my pelvis". - - - Pause while she examined the X-ray.

"Do you want the good news or the bad news?"… "Oh, the good news, please"…

"Your diagnosis is correct! Well done!"

Lying on a trolley dressed (top half) in full boatman’s gear. With the exception of the cap, which had come off in the accident.

Nurses complaining about the coal dust on the bed sheets.
Being bathed by two attractive nurses………..

Richard Thomas

For those unaware, Richard unfortunately had an accident on President whilst in Blisworth tunnel . He has made a full recovery and continues to entertain us !!!.

Last edited:- 06-Aug-2008