Actor 'positive' despite Shrewsbury blast injuries

An actor who was seriously hurt in a gas explosion in Shrewsbury says he is determined to remain positive.

Kiley McDonnell, 33, of south-east London, lost the use of his legs when he was crushed in the blast in January.

Mr McDonnell said he now had to look at life from a different perspective but was "not one to be defeated".

He was in Shrewsbury appearing in pantomime at the Theatre Severn at the time of the explosion and was honoured at a special show there on Sunday.

Mr McDonnell, of Bexleyheath, was crushed by a falling wall after the explosion by Bridge Street and Smithfield Road.

Eleven other people were injured in the incident which is being investigated by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Mr McDonnell said he had been helped by having a lot of support during his recovery, including from people in Shrewsbury.

"I have had a lot of support from a lot of great people," he said.

"They have all been willing me to get better and it's kind of helped me along really. I'm feeling great if I'm being honest - I'm feeling very, very well."

Mr McDonnell was trapped by rubble when the explosion caused a building to collapse. He spent seven months in hospital, being treated at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital and the spinal injuries centre at Stoke Mandeville Hospital in Buckinghamshire.

Sunday's variety show, at which Mr McDonnell was a guest of honour, included a collection for the Royal Shrewsbury.

Mr McDonnell said staff at both hospitals had helped him greatly.

He said he wanted to remain in the entertainment business and was following up several opportunities.

"I'm not one to be defeated, I have always stayed very, very positive about things," he said.

"When something like this happens there's two ways it can go and the best way that I've decided is just to keep a smile on your face and keep pushing through.

"And great things do happen for you and doors do open."