Seriously Injured Sheffield Man Helps Start Celebrations
A 42-year-old Sheffield man, who suffered serious injuries in a work accident in 2000, pushed the button to light the bonfire at Friday’s After Dark celebrations at the Don Valley Stadium.
Timothy Kirk, of High Green, attended the event with his wife Michelle, their 16-year-old son TJ and five-year-old daughter Ruby. The family were guests of law firm Irwin Mitchell who sponsored the event for the fourth consecutive year running.
Lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, David Urpeth, who represented the Kirk family and accompanied them at the event, said: “After Dark is a spectacular event that we are proud to sponsor as it brings so much pleasure to the people of Sheffield.
“I am delighted that Timothy, Michelle and their children were able to attend the event and light the bonfire. Timothy continues to suffer from the aftermath of his horrific injuries and it is the opportunity to help people like him that makes our job so worthwhile.”
Timothy was working as a self employed roofer for R&K Ward Roofing Contractors Ltd, of Chapeltown, Sheffield, when his world was turned upside down when he was sent to repair a roof leak in Barnsley and fell through a skylight, plunging 45ft to the ground, after his employers failed to provide him with adequate safety equipment.
Timothy suffered horrific injuries in his fall, including a fractured pelvis, nerve damage in his left leg, a fractured femur and a serious head injury, that led to him spending almost a month on the intensive care unit in Barnsley District General hospital.
He said: “It has been a long road to recovery and I couldn’t have done it without the help and support of my family. I would urge all employers to provide their workers with adequate safety equipment so no other families suffer the way we have.”