FORMER Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA, Tommy Gallagher, has revealed he was close to losing his right arm as a result of the serious injuries he sustained in a horrific road traffic collision earlier this year.

The retired teacher, who lives in Belleek, was travelling with his wife Eileen in a car which collided with a lorry on the Pettigo Road, close to Kesh, on Monday, March 12.

Mr. Gallagher had to be airlifted to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast after sustaining extensive injuries to his ribs, lung and right arm.

After almost three weeks in hospital, Mr. Gallagher was allowed to return home – but has admitted that it could be a long road to recovery.

Speaking to the Impartial Reporter this week, the former MLA said that he was getting on well, before adding that both he and his wife were “still a bit traumatised about it all”.

Mr. Gallagher said: “I’m still a bit sore. For myself, it’s very painful. I’m not surprised about that, as I’m told it will be a slow recovery.”

He added: “We both regard ourselves as extremely lucky to have survived a collision like that and to be able to get on with our lives.”

The respected SDLP man said he can’t remember much about the collision.

“Well, I remember up until the point of impact. After that, I was drifting in and out of consciousness for a while. It’s a complete blank after that until I was in the recovery room at the Royal Victoria Hospital,” he said.

Mr. Gallagher revealed that, unbeknownst to him, he came close to losing his right arm.

“I understand that, although I wasn’t aware of it at the time, the medical staff became concerned about whether they could save my arm. But, due to the good care I received and the capable people in that department, they saved it,” he said.

The father-of-three said that he had suffered serious fractures in his arm, which were still causing him pain, while his rib injuries were healing faster.

Praising the excellent work of the emergency services at the scene of the accident, Mr. Gallagher described the Air Ambulance as a “real life saver”.

He said: “It’s just a wonderful asset for the people in the west to have in times when life is threatened.”

The Belleek man paid a special tribute to an off-duty paramedic who was one of the first people at the scene.

He said: “We were very lucky that there happened to be an off-duty paramedic travelling in the same area. He gave us outstanding assistance while we were waiting on the other services.

“It was a very important intervention and we greatly appreciate the efforts of that man and his wife. He responded in such a helpful and professional way.

“Eileen told me about all the work he was did, particularly when I was trapped in the car.”

Also paying a warm tribute to all the hospital staff involved in his treatment, Mr. Gallagher said: “While we hear sometimes about the problems in the health service, we don’t really appreciate the level of professionalism that exists there. It’s an excellent service when circumstances like that arise.”

Having spent 20 days in the Royal Victoria Hospital before his discharge, Mr. Gallagher is still receiving treatment on a weekly basis as an outpatient.

He said that one other thing that had helped the couple get through this “difficult period” was the number of people who had prayed for them and sent messages of support.

“It helped to lift our spirits and our determination to get better. We’re thankful to all the people throughout the local community,” Mr. Gallagher added.

Meanwhile, the PSNI have made a renewed appeal for information in connection with the two-vehicle road traffic collision in which the couple were injured.

Constable Beckett said “The incident occurred shortly before 12.40pm when a VW Passat and lorry collided.”

The officer added: “Anyone with information and, if possible, dash cam footage is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 570 12/03/18. Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100 per cent anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.”