Survivor can't stop giving
MIKE Littlefield was lucky to survive a horror crash but all he can think about is the welfare of his charity van.
His van, which is used for charity food runs around the city, is a write-off after it rolled on the corner of McLeod and Florence streets at 6am on Thursday following a collision with a sedan at a set of traffic lights.
Mr Littlefield, who had been on his way to a daily prayer meeting, said he did not remember much of the crash, which put him in Cairns Base Hospital with a collapsed lung, three broken ribs, and a ripped ear, but not a scratch on his face.
"They've reconstructed my ear the best they can," the good Samaritan told The Cairns Post from his hospital bed.
"I underwent three hours of surgery.
"My head is wrapped in bandages.
"The only thing that doesn't hurt is my toes and then again they hurt a bit too.
"I am surprised that I survived."
In the days before the accident, he had spent $450 on parts for the van, which he estimates has cost him $15,000 in total to kit out with its kitchen.
Mr Littlefield works at Harcourts Real Estate at Mulgrave Rd and donates his earnings to the New Foundation Ministry, a cause supported by the Living Waters Christian Church in Cairns.
His van was parked at Munro Martin Park at least three nights a week to help feed and clothe the homeless and troubled youth.
"My van is gone," Mr Littlefield said.
"My finances from my job go towards the van.
"At the moment I can't afford to run it."
Mr Littlefield had three-hour surgery on his ear which he described as "a jigsaw puzzle" because it was torn into about four pieces of flesh.
"I can't move because I'm in so much pain," he said.
"But I'm going to keep my charity food van going even if I have to walk there (to the park)."
He said although he was unlucky to be involved in the accident at Easter, God always made good things come out of bad situations.
"God is looking after me and he'll look after the people too," he said.
"This is not going to stop me doing what I do.
"I'm being very positive and I have to stay strong for the people."
Anyone wanting to donate to Mr Littlefield's cause can contact the church on 4041 0777.
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Van man: Mike Littlefield recovers after the crash that almost killed him.
Unstoppable Samaritan: Mike Littlefield last month with the charity van he has vowed to continue running.
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