South Yorkshire Times May 2nd 1953
£3,500 for miner
Fine Thurnscoe Young Man, 21, Lost Right Leg.
A young Thurnscoe miner who lost his right leg in an accident was awarded £3,900 damages and costs at Leeds Assizes on Monday. He is Kenneth James Wright (20), of York Street, Thurnscoe, of whom the judge said: “I have no doubt he was an exceptionally fine young man before the accident, with a fine physique.”
Wright lost his leg above the knee in an accident at Hickleton Main Colliery on September 20th, 1950. Mr. Justice Oliver said it was a shocking thing to happen to anyone, particularly when only 20 years of age “Now he has to face the rest of his life crippled. Unable to enjoy life in the way of a young man of 20 ” said the judge.
“He was obviously a lad of great industry and his wage record for the two years before the accident reflects the utmost credit on him. “He would probably have become a pit face worker, and in assessing damages I have had regard to that fact.”
Mr. R. Withers Payne represented Wright, and Mr. G. S. Wailer appeared for the N.C.B. At his home, 27, York Street. Thurnscoe.
Kenneth told the South Yorkshire Times reporter after the hearing, on Monday: “the sum of £3,900 is a lot of money, I do not intend to squander it. I will put it into the bank and let the interest mount up each year.”
Kenneth said he would not be tempted to use the money at all if you could possibly help it. “If I am ill, or lose any time at work, naturally I will draw on the money.”
When the accident happened, Ken was badly shaken. “I was always fond of a game of football. Swimming or riding into the country with my girlfriend.” His 19-year-old girlfriend, Gladys Varley who lives just round the corner at 33, Hanover Street, has stuck through all his troubles: “without her I do not know what I would have done in fact she has been an inspiration.” He said last Christmas Kenneth asked Gladys to marry him and they hope to get married and settle down at his parents on later next year.
Mr. Arnold Wright Ken’s father said “Ken has been a brave lad.”
He has never whimpered once. Always the same cheerful and resolute.” Once a keen member of Thurnscoe Salvation Army band, Ken felt conspicuous and dropped out. Instead, the long dreary hours during the days when Ken was recovering were spent in a musical solitude. He would sit for hours and play on his cornet until his playing developed into something almost classical.
However last June, Ken’s marvellous spirit enabled him to start work again. He went back to Hickleton Main Colliery to work as a screen hand. On his return his mates at the coal face clubbed up and paid his fare to Blackpool. They also gave him £5 to spend.