Colin’s royal appointment

Christine and Colin Buckley and their letter from the Queen

A DOTING dad could be in the running for a place on the New Year’s Honours List for his dedicated ways in the face of adversity.

Colin Buckley (59), of Derwent Walk, Greenacres, received a letter from Buckingham Palace after his wife of 22 years, Christine, wrote to the Queen about the man she calls her hero.

After suffering a severe leg injury following a fall at work in 1991, Colin was left in plaster for more than a year and unable to walk without difficulty.

But that has not stopped the determined husband from caring for his wife, who is registered blind, and his five children, two of whom are disabled.

Getting together by writing love letters to each other 37 years ago, Christine (48) says Colin would go to the end of the earth for his family.

She said: “He is a miracle on legs. He has put his own disability aside and done whatever he can for us. I’ve never known a man like him — he’s my hero.

“I set the kitchen on fire once trying to cook, now he does all the cooking, cleaning and looks after the children — I don’t know how he does it.”

The letter, which boasts the palace logo, passed on the royal family’s wishes and enclosed an Honours List nomination from the Cabinet Office.

Doctors told the couple to expect the worst for their daughter Charlotte, who was diagnosed with part of her brain missing, learning difficulties, a bowel blockage and hypertonia in her legs as a youngster.

Now 19 and at Oldham College, Christine says her dad’s efforts have helped her blossom, despite her disabilities.

Colin also spent years raising money selling calendars for the former Ferney Field School in Chadderton and as a leader at 3rd Royton Scouts.

He said: “I was stunned and honoured to get that letter.

“Sometimes life can be a challenge but you have to get stuck in.

“There are always people worse off than yourself.”