Bashed Martinborough firefighter Peter Fisher literally took
his first steps on the road to recovery yesterday with a
tentative walk inside his Wellington Hospital ward.
Mr Fisher, the victim of a vicious assault nearly two weeks
ago, has astounded medical staff with his recovery, according
to his family.
Peter Fisher was assaulted on Broadway on October 28 after
helping some young people eject an unwelcome visitor.
Earlier this week he had surgery to insert 12 metal plates in
his shattered face.
His brother Paul said he had taken a few steps, helped by his
physiotherapist, and was now talking "okay."
He said his brother's recovery was "nothing short of
spectacular" although there was still a long way to go before
he was fully recovered.
"The doctors and nurses are really impressed with just how
strong he is."
Paul said his brother worked as a storeman in Wellington and
his workmates told of him being able to carry heavy carpet on
his own, up eight flights of stairs.
"He is the hardest working person I know."
Peter's rate of progress has been such that he is due to be
transferred to a rehab unit on Monday.
Peter was eating pureed food and was starting to get his
appetite back, Paul said.
"He is still sleeping for massive hours but that is part of
the healing process."
The family and Peter's partner Freida have been almost
constantly at his bedside.
Milton Haira, 25, unemployed, faces a charge of wounding,
four of common assault and one of threatening to kill over
the incident.
He has been remanded in custody until December 3.
- By Don Farmer of the Wairarapa Times-Age
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