Miner Dogged by Ill-Luck

For cheerfulness in face of adversity, Mr. Walter Chiddey and his family, of 51, Tickhiill street, Denaby Main, must take high honours.

Mr Chiddey is 52. He has worked at Denaby Main Colliery for 18 years. Ten weeks after he started there he was involved in a fall of roof and sustained serious injuries to the face and back, necessitating treatment at the Fullerton Hospital.

He has bad more than his share of minor injuries, and then July of 1935, came the biggest blow. His spine was fractured by another fall of roof. After a period at the Fullerton Hospital he became a member of the famous “physical training*’ class at Mexborough Montagu Hospital, where patients suffering from spinal fractures were completely cured by the Bohler treatment.

Back at Work

Both Mr. Chiddey and his wife thought that would the end of his work in the pit, but within a year he was far recovered to resume his own job of stone contracting at Denaby Colliery. He restarted work in June, 1936. and for nearly two years continued without mishap.

Last week was again trapped by a fall of roof. The injuries to his legs have proved so severe that both have had to be amputated, left one below the knee and the right leg above the knee.

Mrs. Chiddev said to a “Daily Independent” representative yesterday, “Yes. he has certainly had his full share of accidents in the pit, but he remains cheerful through it all and his chief philosophy is I am not finished off yet’.”

Mr Chiddey’s chief concern immediately alter the amputations had been performed last week-end was that his wife should not visit him and become upset. Mrs. Chiddey for her part says. We are all more settled now that he is out of danger and more comfortable.”

Policeman 10 Years

Before starling in the pit. Mr. Chiddey was police-constable for 10 years, being stationed at Mexborough and Denaby.

During convalescence after the spinal fracture, he was a frequent visitor to the local bowling green and the players became accustomed to his chaffing remarks on their play.

One of the letters sympathy which Mrs. Chiddey has received has come from these players who remembered his cheerful presence, and hope that he will soon among them again.

There are four children in the family, their ages ranging from 13 to 20 years. The oldest, a daughter, fell downstairs shortly after her father’s accident two years ago, and has suffered since from paralysis. She only re started work a month or two ago.