PATRICK Meek, a 60-year-old former worker from Cinderford, has endured a gruelling six year legal battle for compensation from his former employers, while dealing with complications from the amputation of his left index finger.

"It's really taken its toll," he said.

"But the Union and solicitors were brilliant throughout. I couldn't have asked for more."

When Patrick fired the nail gun into the corner of a wooden pallet he was making at work, the nail hit a knot in the wood and ricocheted through it, into the joint of his finger.

He was taken to hospital where he had an operation to remove the six-inch nail and clean away damaged tissue from his finger, before undergoing an intensive physiotherapy course.

Three months later, however, Patrick suffered a post-operative infection requiring further surgery – two years before a fourth operation that saw Patrick lose his finger.

"The hardest part is feeling like I'm useless," he added.

For more on Patrick's plight, pick up a copy of The Forester.