Turriff United midfielder Keir Smith shares his experience following a life-threatening incident.
In a harrowing turn of events, Keir Smith, a midfielder for Turriff United in the Breedon Highland League, has opened up about his brush with death following a freak accident that left him with multiple fractures. The incident occurred in Turriff on a Thursday evening, as Smith was walking to the gym when he was pinned against a wall by a parked vehicle.
The 25-year-old athlete now faces a challenging road to recovery, having sustained a fractured foot, ankle, tibia, pelvis, and a bruised back.
From shock to gratitude
Speaking from his hospital bed at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Smith expressed his disbelief at the incident.
“It was a complete shock what happened and it’s never something you expect to happen,” he stated. Despite the severity of his injuries, Smith maintains a positive outlook, feeling fortunate to be alive. “I really do feel fortunate to be alive and fortunate that my injuries are all that came of it,” he added. This perspective is crucial as he faces yet another extended period away from the pitch, having just recovered from a previous injury.
The road to recovery
Smith’s journey back to fitness is now reset to square one. “I was really looking forward to getting back playing so it’s a bit disheartening this has happened, but I’m trying to be positive,” he remarked. Initially, after the accident, he did not feel much pain and even managed to call his parents, who were on holiday, before seeking medical help. It was only later, once he was in the hospital, that the extent of his injuries became clear. “I must have been in a bit of shock to start with because I didn’t really feel in pain,” he explained.
Support from the community
Throughout this ordeal, Smith has been overwhelmed by the support he has received. He expressed his gratitude towards the paramedics who attended to him, the hospital staff, and his club’s chairman, Gairn Ritchie, who was the first to arrive at the scene. “It says a lot about what Gairn is like and what Turriff United is like as a club that he was there right away,” Smith noted. The presence of his teammates and coaching staff at the hospital has also provided him with comfort during this challenging time.
As Smith embarks on his rehabilitation journey, he remains hopeful and determined to return to the sport he loves. His story serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of community support in times of crisis.
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