A FATHER-OF-THREE from York who was seriously injured in the Great Heck rail crash has spoken for the first time of the disaster which ended his Territorial Army career.

Giancarlo Spadone, 29, an independent financial advisor, is still recovering after breaking his spine and ribs in the crash, which claimed ten lives.

He served with Imphal Company of the East and West Riding Regiment for 12 years, but will be discharged on medical grounds because of his injuries. Last night he was at the unit's base at Worsley Barracks, in Fulford Road, to receive his long service medal.

He said: "I regret leaving the TA, but it's the way things have happened. I have had a fantastic time and made some good mates. Getting my long service medal is a good way for me to finish. It does mean a lot to me."

Mr Spadone, who lives at Heslington, was travelling to London on business on the 5.59am service which was derailed when it hit a Land Rover on the tracks before crashing into a freight train coming the other way.

Six people died in the carriage he was travelling in, which landed on its roof after leaving the track and overturning down an embankment.

He said: "I was conscious all the way through the accident. I remember the train hitting something and leaving the tracks and hurtling out of control and then hitting the freight train.

"I was lifted out of my seat and thrown around. I remember thinking 'I have just got to go with the accident', and then it came to a stop.

"I was lying on my back and my leg was trapped. The first thing I did was to call my wife on my mobile and say 'the train has crashed'."

Mr Spadone, who was having difficulty breathing as one of his lungs had collapsed, told how passenger Nev Lyon, from Harrogate, had helped him.

"He freed my leg from the wreckage and he stayed with us. I owe him a great deal. He kept me going through it."

And he praised the emergency services and medical staff at Hull Royal Infirmary, where he was flown by helicopter for emergency treatment. He underwent surgery and had metal rods inserted in his back.

He said: "It is very difficult to say how I feel now. I have very mixed emotions. I have been very lucky. My injuries were very severe, but I have made a good recovery so far. I'm glad to be walking; it could have been so much different."

He and his wife, Rachael, who has given him vital support throughout his recovery, also feel not enough help has been given to people involved with the crash.

He said: "There has been a lack of support for victims of the crash. We have had feelings of isolation and we know other people involved in the accident will feel the same."

The couple, who have three children - Ian, eight, Holly, six, and Lucie, three, are hoping to start a support group for survivors who feel they would benefit from mutual support.

Anyone who was involved in the crash and is interested in joining the Spadones' support group should write to Tony Tierney, Evening Press, PO Box 29, 76/86 Walmgate, York, YO1 9YN.

Last night's presentations, which were made by Colonel Robin Smith, the deputy honorary colonel, also saw the Volunteer Reserve Service Medal go to Warrant Officer 2 Mick Riches, from Hull, Sergeant Craig Murthick, from Wakefield, Corporal Garry Eason, from Bramham, near Wetherby, and Private Shaun Caple, of Acomb, York.

Accumulated campaign service medals were presented to Sergeant Carl Robson, permanent staff instructor with the unit, and Lance Corporal Michael Yates, from Leeds.

Updated: 10:59 Wednesday, July 04, 2001