John celebrates winning battle for life after freak seaside accident
A night out in Blackpool ended with John Payne spending months in hospital fighting for his life after an horrific accident.
The 61-year-old had been at the seaside resort when he was blown into the road by 50 mph winds and hit by a taxi.
Mr Payne, a production operator in Tipton, was then dragged for 15 yards under the wheels of the cab along Blackpool's famous promenade.
Fire crews had to use airbags to lift the taxi off his body and he had to be resuscitated several times on the way to hospital.
His family have said it is a 'miracle' he's alive after he suffered a catalogue of horrendous injuries including a broken neck, a fractured spine, crushed ribs, punctured lungs, a twisted pelvis and severe abrasions to legs, face and ears.
Mr Payne can't remember the accident in November and spent three-and-a-half-weeks unconscious in hospital.
He said: "The plan was to go up Blackpool with my mate, stay overnight and come back the following day. I just remember us walking down the road to the next pub we were going to and this big gust of wind blowing me into the road.
"Everything else I know is from what people have told me."
Walsall fan, Mr Payne, was taken to Blackpool's Victoria Hospital before being transferred to The Royal Preston Hospital. He returned to Wolverhampton at New Cross Hospital a few days before Christmas and was then moved to West Park Hospital for rehabilitation.
He now receives physiotherapy at home everyday but, miraculously, can walk with the aid of crutches.
On Saturday friends and family joined Mr Payne at The White Hart Pub in Salop Street, Bilston, for a 'well done' party to mark his steady recovery.
His sister Pauline, aged 62, added: "John has done brilliantly. He's a resilient man but then people from the Black Country tend to be resilient anyway."
Mr Payne added: "I can't thank my friends and family enough for the support they have shown me."
