A GRANDFATHER repeatedly shot in the head and chest while cycling in country Victoria has reunited with the hospital staff who saved his life.
Kelvin Tennant, 74, was riding his motorised bicycle on the Myrtleford-Everton Rail Trail in the state's north on February 18, 2017, when he was gunned down by an unknown man in a random attack.
He was rushed to The Alfred Hospital, where doctors were able to remove two bullets from his body. A third bullet, on the right side of his face, was deemed too risky to remove.
"If a few fragments had gone further, I could have slurred speech, balance problems and the right side of my face could be frozen," Mr Tennant said on Thursday.
"The doctor said to me they had never seen a scan like mine before."
Mr Tennant visited the hospital on Thursday as it launched its annual Father's Day appeal, which helps raise money for trauma care as well as cancer, cardiac and mental health services.
The Alfred is the busiest trauma hospital in Australia, with more than 9000 patients each year. Of these, more than 1500 arrive like Mr Tennant with life-threatening injuries.
"Everyone at The Alfred has been marvellous. Thanks to the incredible nurses and staff, I am alive and I am here with my family, watching my grandchildren grow up," he said.
A police investigation into the shooting remains ongoing, with a $500,000 reward for information to find the gunman still available.
Donate now at www.fathersdayappeal.org.au
Australian Associated Press
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