A police officer who experienced a horrific fall has returned to work after a 16-month recovery.
Senior Constable Mark Barclay suffered serious injuries when the ground gave way and he fell on to rocks and water, during a family holiday in Tasmania in late 2021.
He was put into a coma for three weeks, with fractured legs, significant facial fractures and swelling on the brain that resulted in other complications.
Seven weeks later, Senior Constable Barclay was flown home and transferred for specialist treatment at the Princess Alexandra Hospital.
The Sunshine Coast Tactical Crime Squad officer and valued member of the Police Dive Unit is described as an amazing, generous and positive person.
Known also for his smile, the husband and father of two young children had a long journey of rehabilitation and recovery ahead.
Related story: ‘Walking miracle’: officer’s astonishing fightback
In February last year, Queensland Police made a big splash as they rallied around their colleague, arranging a 24-hour swim-a-thon to help raise support for him and his family.
Sunshine Coast District Superintendent Craig Hawkins welcomed Senior Constable Barclay back to duty this week, crediting his self-determination, resilience, commitment and positivity.
“Mark is a truly inspirational individual,” Superintendent Hawkins said.
“I would like to thank everyone involved in the fundraising and support offered to Mark and his family, particularly the Sunshine Coast District Tactical Crime Squad team that rallied and drove this support.”
Senior Constable Barclay said he was buoyed by the ongoing support of family and the service alike.
“I am extremely lucky to have a great family around me for support,” he said.
“But in addition to this support, the generosity, encouragement and assistance from all my colleagues has enabled me to stay positive, motivated and continue pushing to this day where I can get back out on the road and look forward to coming to work each day; not only to support my community and give back where they have helped me, but to also be side by side with my colleagues again.
“Thank you for everything everybody did for me through this extremely difficult time in my life and I am ecstatic about and looking forward to the future.”
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