Doctors marvel at policeman's recovery

A CRACKED pelvis, a damaged car and a smashed house were the last things Damon Ormsby wanted for his birthday.

But the 36-year-old policeman received all three after an unfortunate series of events left him sandwiched between his vehicle and his neighbour's house.

The drama began when the handbrake failed on Mr Ormsby's car, sending it rolling down the steep driveway of his Springfield Lakes home.

Seeing it was heading for a park at the bottom of the street, Mr Ormsby chased the runaway vehicle along the road, trying to stop it.

"It was a panicky situation," Mr Ormsby said.

"The car began to veer towards my neighbour's house and I soon realised it wasn't going to stop.

"Just before impact, I moved to the side of the car but as I did, the vehicle turned suddenly and drove me into the brick wall of my neighbour's house."

The impact moved the house from its foundations and left a huge dint in the car but, amazingly, Mr Ormsby, a father of three, escaped with only a cracked pelvis.

His recovery was just as extraordinary, released from hospital after nine days with only a set of crutches.

Doctors had originally anticipated a three to four week stay.

During the Springfield Family Fitness Funday event last weekend, Mr Ormsby spoke of the importance physical and spiritual health had on his recuperation.

"I owe my recovery to staying fit, having faith in God and the support I got from family, friends, co-workers and the church," Mr Ormsby said.

"People looked after my family by checking up on them, cleaning and cooking meals and driving them around.

"Going through a difficult time like that makes you realise how many people in the community are there for you."