BRAVE police officer PC Chris Burnham has defied the odds to start a new job in the force – after he was hit by a car and left in a coma exactly 12 months today (Friday, September 25).
The 48-year-old dad-of-one suffered devastating injuries when knocked down by fleeing driver Tekle Lennox, in Holbrooks, Coventry on the afternoon of September 25 last year.
At first it was feared PC Burnham would be in an induced coma for weeks, but as medical teams successfully reduced the swelling and pressure on his brain he was fully conscious after six days.
Remarkably just 21 days after being admitted the neighbourhood officer was discharged from hospital and three months ago this June returned to work starting a new role with Coventry Police’s partnerships team.
PC Burnham, who lives with his wife and 10-year-old son, said: “No one expected me to be in this position. Not six months ago and certainly not 12 months ago.
“My recovery is down to a bit of luck, a bit of effort and a lot of NHS.”
In March, banned driver Lennox was jailed for seven years after admitted wounding with intent to resist arrest. The 37-year-old was also given four months after pleading guilty to possession of drugs.
Reflecting on the incident, PC Burnham said: “It’s something that has happened and is never going to go away but it will not hold me back. It’s been more about getting better than seeking vengeance. I feel justice has been done. I was impressed with the judge, CPS and the whole court process and content with the sentence as it was what I expected.
“I was glad to see the back of the court case and felt better when it had been laid to rest.”
As a result of the hit-and-run PC Burnham was left with serious leg injuries and has three screws holding his left knee cap together. He cannot run but with flexibility returning to his leg he can now walk, swim and cycle.
Fortunately he suffered no long-term psychological damage, and has even driven by the site of the incident several times. With no recollection of the incident or the following 10-15 days the Coventry police officer asked to watch the unedited footage showing the immediate aftermath of the incident.
In 1996 PC Burnham suffered a broken jaw while on duty and during his 27 years in the job he has suffered his share of scars. But he admits this latest experience has made him more aware of the risks and dangers officers face.
He said: “We do a dangerous job. We are in a role where when it goes wrong, it can go wrong very quickly. That shouldn’t stop us from doing things, it’s about remembering stay aware and keeping safe.”
His road to recovery has been assisted by the warm wishes of members of the public.
PC Burnham said: “I would really like to thank the large number of people, from Coventry and further afield, who have provided support and well wishes. It’s been a massive help to me and my family over the last year.”
