Ambitious amputee contributing to society

Fifty-five-year-old Patrick 'Junior' Edwards is an amputee, but he does not allow that to hold him back from making a contribution to society.

"Me see strong, hearty man nah do nothing, but me still jump around and do what me can," he said.

The Deed Pen, St Mary, resident works as a carpenter, specialising in iron boards and small wares, having learnt the trade from his father. However, he was quick to note that he does not limit himself.

"Any little thing you can think of, me will do it from mason work to farming because a Jah blessings. Anything me plant, it grow from sweet pepper, potatoes, to pumpkin and people trust me to build their house too," he told THE WEEKEND STAR.

Still, the ambitious one-footed man wants to do more. He plans to build a chicken coop to raise and sell chickens.

"Me know a lot of people who me would supply, and it would be easier for me to manage with my one foot, but I would need some funds to start," Edwards explained.

Prides himself

He added that his drive to push on regardless of his circumstances is rooted in the fact that he prides himself on providing for his three children that he has with thee different women.

Though he only had his foot amputated a year ago, Edwards said he has been struggling with it for some 23 years, when it shattered under what he calls mysterious circumstances.

At the time, he was working at a sugar factory in the field, and was up for promotion, but that never happened.

"It was August 19, 1994, minutes to 6 p.m., I was standing and talking when I just felt something hit me in me foot and I fall to the ground. Me try stand up, but the foot mash up. The people beside me heard the sound, but all now we don't see what hit me," Edwards said.

Doctors explained that his knee cap had cracked in two, and he was admitted in hospital for two months. However, shortly after his release, he began experiencing severe swelling and pains, which continued over the years. Sadly, doctors could not provide a cure.

Last year, when the agony became unbearable, Edwards said he begged doctors to amputate the leg. They were reluctant at first, as they said the leg still had active nerves, however, tests revealed that it was having a debilitating effect on his circulation. So the doctors eventually gave in to his request.

It has been difficult to adjust to life on crutches, as it is challenging to get around, and his arms ache constantly. But that is no deterrent for Edwards. He said he would greatly appreciate a prosthetic leg to help him pursue his vigorous labour.

"People fi try, dem fi do something with dem life. Me see people worse than me a try make it inna life," Edwards said.

Those wishing to assist Patrick Edwards may contact him at 799-4143.