A SPECIAL constable badly injured by a dangerous driver is to collect a national award for her determination to return to work.
Carly Henfrey had her leg broken in three places when she was hit by a car driven by 24-year-old Lee Ashton in November 2011.
The 28-year-old had been responding to reports of a fight between a group of men in Shakespeare Street when she was knocked over.
Despite her injuries Carly was determined to return to the force as quickly as possible – a move which led to her been nominated for a national award by Superintendent Paul Anderson.
She has now been selected as the winner by Sir Peter Fahey, chief constable at Greater Manchester Police and ACPO lead for special constables.
"I was really surprised about the award and it's really nice to have been recognised for what I went through," said Carly, who combines her Special Constable role with a full time job at a finance company in Chilwell.
"Everything is back to normal now, almost like the accident didn't happen, apart from the odd twinge and trying to walk in heels."
The car which hit Carly was later found abandoned in Peel Street. Carly was taken to the Queen's Medical Centre where she spent four days been treated, including having a metal rod inserted in her shin.
She returned to her day job after five weeks and was back at Riverside Police Station a year later.
Supt Anderson said: "Carly's outstanding tenacity to return to work as a volunteer shows her commitment to serve her community and her dedication to the job.
"She placed herself in danger in the line of duty and as a consequence received substantial injuries. Thankfully, through her determination, she made a great recovery and returned to work as quickly as possible and I am thrilled that she has received this national accolade."
Carly will collect her certificate at the annual police awards ceremony in October. Lee Aston, of Mosswood Crescent, Bestwood Park was jailed for four years and eight months at Nottingham Crown Court on January 20, 2012 for grievous bodily harm, common assault, driving while disqualified and dangerous driving.
