By Bonny Burrows
Reading Neville Hurford’s accomplishments, you wouldn’t know the 71-year-old was a double amputee.
Mr Hurford is a father of two, grandfather of five, Maryknoll Fire Brigade life member, former social worker and founder of his own mobility equipment business.
On 11 February, he will add Commonwealth Games Queen’s Baton bearer to the long list of achievements he’s accomplished since a freak work accident in 1975 left him disabled.
“I was a boilermaker. There was an accident where 2200 volts of electricity passed through my body,” Mr Hurford said.
“Any metal was red hot. I had a wrist watch on and steel cap boots so my toes went straight away. I really shouldn’t be here (today).”
The incident left Mr Hurford without a right arm, left leg and half a foot.
Five years ago, the remaining foot became cancerous, “so it too had to go”.
Despite his disability, Mr Hurford won’t be held back.
After the amputation of his second leg, it took Mr Hurford just six weeks to learn to walk again and six months to drive.
He admits there are things he’d love to do but can’t, such as golf, but is grateful for what he is able to achieve and for the support of his family, friends and the Maryknoll community.
“I certainly haven’t sat around much over the years,” Mr Hurford said.
“I can cut grass, ride on the mower, slick the wood. I’m a life member of the fire brigade, I started off in communications then became president, and I also did peer support with the CFA for 10 years, travelling around the state on call to support the firies.
“My real sanity is being independent enough to drive.”
A little over five years since he had to relearn to walk, Mr Hurford will take to the streets of Warragul as part of the Queen’s Baton relay after being nominated by a young friend he considers a surrogate son.
It’s something that came as surprise to the humble man, but something he is excited about.
The retiree, who will be cheered on by close family and friends, said he was looking forward to representing people with a disability as an equal in society.
“It’s certainly an honour to be selected to carry the torch so I’ll carry it with pride,” Mr Hurford said.
“I hope I do everybody proud and not drop the baton.
“I should be right – as long as I don’t fall in a pothole,” he laughed.
