A car crash survivor who suffered major injuries and spent a year in a coma is working with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue and HMP Forest Bank Prison to help prisoners change their lives.
As a teenager Gary Walker got into a car with an intoxicated driver for a ride which ended in tragedy.
Gary lost half of his right leg, an index finger, part of one of his ears and all of his hair after the driver lost control of the car and it toppled over and caught fire.
The driver was killed but Gary was saved and now volunteers with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue helping to get across the message that bad decisions in life can have horrific consequences.
Gary said: “When I woke from my coma I didn’t want to be here anymore, but I kept focused, and since I have been helping others I really feel like I have a purpose and am now in a happy place.
“I don’t want anyone to go through what I’ve been through, and the most important thing I want people to know is that it is never too late to change.
“I’ve been to Forest Bank a number of times talking with the prisoners about car crime and explaining to them the consequences it can have.”
As a teenager Gary got caught up in antisocial behaviour and the car crash left him in hospital for almost a year.
Gary has had to deal with the consequences of his decision since he was 17-years-old but the now 28-year-old wants to ensure people don’t make the same mistakes that he did.
Gary Walker’s Story from Manchester Fire on Vimeo.
He added: “I became a volunteer at GMFRS about three years ago as I wanted to give something back after my crash.
“I saw posts advertised in Stretford and wasted no time in applying, especially as it was a fire crew from Stretford Fire Station who rescued me from the car crash.”
Since joining the fire service as a volunteer Gary was nominated for a GMFRS Colleague Recognition Award and Chief Fire Officer Steve McGuirk presented him with the award at the end of June.
The Stretford resident has recently been offered a contract at GMFRS and is thankful to be recognised for the work he does but says he doesn’t do it for praise and recognition, but to help others.
Rob Sanders a Research Officer at GMFRS attends the prison sessions with Gary along with a community safety advisor.
The group interacts with the prisoners and encourage them to talk about their own experiences. Car safety is also covered, including the importance of wearing a seatbelt and sticking to speed limits.
Rob said: “As part of each visit to the young men, who are aged between 18 and 21, we play Gary’s video and then he talks about the impact of the car crash, how he felt when he was in hospital, and then how his life is now.
“Gary has a really powerful story to share and as Forest Bank hosts the largest number of inmates from Greater Manchester we hope to have as much impact locally as possible.”
A spokesperson for Forest Bank said: “Forest Bank is a local prison that is truly devoted to addressing offending behaviour to ensure our communities are safer for all.
“Just like Gary at the time of his crash, they can really relate to what he is saying, and hopefully his message will help them to stay on the right track when they are released.”
Image courtesy of Manchester Fire via Vimeo, with thanks
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