“My head is screwed on – but I’m back”: Cllr Tony Dale returns after life-changing injury

While on a family holiday in Italy in July 2024, Cllr Dale’s hire car was struck from behind by a lorry, leaving him crushed in the back seat with a collapsed lung, broken ribs, a severed carotid artery and severe spinal damage. “The lorry’s bumper smashed my neck,” he said. “I lost three vertebrae. It was pretty traumatic.”  

Air-lifted to hospital in Padua and given only a 50/50 chance of survival, Cllr Dale defied the odds. After emergency surgery and three weeks in Italy, he returned to the UK for further care in Gloucester, followed by six months at the Salisbury Spinal Treatment Centre.  

Throughout this period, Cllr Dale was surrounded by support from his wife, family, fellow councillors - and had more than 500 visitors. "Every single person in my community in Northleach helped in some way - even just thinking of me,” he said. “It gave me a reason to keep going."  

A particularly healing space during his rehabilitation was Horatio’s Garden in Salisbury, a sanctuary built by the nationwide charity of the same name to support the mental and physical wellbeing of people with spinal injuries.  “Horatio’s Garden was my escape,” Cllr Dale said. “It gave me a sense of normality, beauty, and peace during some very difficult days.”  

Cllr Dale also spoke about the kindness shown by his colleagues on the council. “My fellow councillors have been extraordinary,” he said. “But what meant the most is that every single councillor - across the whole political spectrum, green, blue, yellow, neutral - sent me messages or well-wishes. It made me realise how united we can be. I really understand now why people want to represent their communities here at Cotswold District Council.”  

Now back in the council chamber Cllr Dale was able to stand and delivered a passionate contribution to the Local Plan debate on 16 July. “I promised (then Council Leader) Cllr Joe Harris I’d be back within a year,” he said. “And I was - by four days.”  

He added: “I’m still recovering. I’m 15 kilos lighter and rebuilding lost muscle with four days a week of neuro-physio. But if you believe you can do it, one day you will.”  

Receiving a heartfelt standing ovation in the chamber, Cllr Dale was warmly welcomed back by fellow councillors. “We’ve really missed you, Tony,” said Council Leader Cllr Mike Evemy, “Your wisdom and guidance are deeply valued - by all of us across the chamber.”   

Cllr Tom Stowe echoed the sentiment, adding: “It’s great to have Tony Dale back here. We’ve always valued his insight and humour, and we wish him all the best on his continued recovery.”  

Cllr Dale is still committed to serving his constituents in Northleach and surrounding villages. He will be taking a phased return to his councillor duties and can be reached at [email protected].