by Dennis TowleA NORTH YORKSHIRE miner who lost both legs in an horrific pit accident is walking back to happiness.

The courage and willpower of David Armstrong has been an inspiration to other amputees, says his proud wife, Gloria.

The 51-year-old father-of-three had both legs severed above the knee last summer while working on the coalface at Wistow Mine.

With the help of artificial legs, he has built a new life for himself, and says he has everything to live for.

He said: "I can now walk several hundred yards with just a short stop for a breather, and driving is no problem.

"I look forward to every day. It's no good sitting around moaning and groaning - you have to get on with your life.

"I made up my mind from the start that I wasn't going to feel sorry for myself.

"The way I look at it, I'm lucky to be alive."

He proudly tells the frequent visitors to his home at Old Campsall, near Selby, that hospital physiotherapists described him as a one-off phenomenon, achieving in eight weeks what most amputees struggle to do in six months. Mr Armstrong said: "I still enjoy a pint, I've got my racing pigeons to keep me occupied, and we're planning a week's holiday in Blackpool."

The former coalface supervisor, who worked in the pits from the age of 15, has now taken redundancy from RJB Mining.

Speaking for the first time about the accident, he recalled just how close he was to death.

Alerted by his moans and cries for help, horrified workmates found him on a chain conveyor with both legs missing.

Mr Armstrong said: "As the conveyor took me towards a giant stone crusher, I remember grabbing hold of something and hanging on.

"I was just a couple of yards from the crusher and certain death.

"I felt my hands slipping and was about to let go when a workmate knocked the power off."

His wife said: "I'm very proud of him.

"He's been incredibly brave, his attitude has been positive all along and he's been an inspiration to a lot of other people."We now make the most of every day, and I just thank God that he's still with us."

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