Tributes to tragic hospital porter
11:55am Tuesday 10th October 2006
TRIBUTES were paid yesterday to a hospital porter who died after he becoming trapped in a cardboard crushing machine.
Friends described Peter Bonomy, aged 58, of York Avenue, Little Lever, as "the perfect gent".
Mr Bonomy, who worked for the agency ISS Mediclean, is believed to have suffered a broken neck when the lid of the compacting machine fell on him on Sunday afternoon as he leaned into it.
Colin and Shirley Clayton had been friends of Mr Bonomy for more than 30 years.
Mr Clayton said: "He was an incredibly caring man who always had a pleasant word for everyone. We used to go fishing together. He would always make sure he stopped and passed the time of day with everyone he met."
Brenda Turner, aged 55, had also known Mr Bonomy since he moved into his home 34 years ago.
She said: "I just can't believe it - it's horrible to think about. He was such a lovely man, a very private person, but extremely caring. Everyone around here knew him and liked him. He was the perfect gent."
Mr Bonomy lost his wife, Ann, several years ago to breast cancer.
He quit his job as an engineer to care for her during her final months, and organised a collection in her honour in a bid to raise money for Macmillan Cancer nurses.
Mr Bonomy returned to work 18 months ago as a porter at the Royal Bolton Hospital.
He was a member and regular at Little Lever Conservative Club.
Club secretary Aidan Meagan said: "I've known Peter since I became club secretary more than 30 years ago. He was a very nice man and very popular here.
"He was a private person and kept himself to himself, but had an extremely funny and dry sense of humour."
Mr Bonomy's colleagues have offered their condolences to his family, who are believed to live in Scotland.
Damian Isherwood, communications officer for Unison, the main union at the hospital, said: "We have the deepest sympathy for his family, friends and colleagues, who are clearly upset at this time."
Police and firefighters were called to the hospital at 3.40pm on Sunday, following reports that Mr Bonomy had become trapped in the industrial compactor. He was freed, but died later.
An investigation has now been launched by the Health and Safety Executive.
ISS Mediclean has launched its own investigation.
A spokesman said: "In addition to our own investigation, we are working closely with the Trust and the Health and Safety Executive to understand how the accident happened.
"We would like to add our condolences to his family, friends and colleagues."