Pub landlord victim of Cumbria killer thanks "unsung heroes" from hospital bed

9th June 2010, 4:04pm

The pub landlord awaiting more surgery on his injuries after being shot by gunman Derrick Bird during the killer's shooting rampage in Cumbria last Wednesday made a statement from his hospital bed yesterday to thank the 'unsung heroes' of the tragedy.

Speaking to his wife Paddington, who has been dividing her time between visiting her husband and running the couple's pub business Harry Berger said: "Wishing all the best to family and friends that have been a great help and support over the last week, and a massive gratitude to all the unsung heroes affected by this."

Father of two Harry Berger, who runs the Woolpack Inn in Eskdale became one of the final victims of Bird's massacre after being shot in the shoulder by the killer during an open fire attack by Bird who shot from his car as he drove it through the West Cumbrian village of Seascale. Accompanied by his wife, the heavily bleeding victim endured a 90-minute wait for help to arrive before he was airlifted to hospital in Carlisle for operating.

The incident took place towards the end of Bird's killing spree, which saw 12 victims killed and another 11 injured. Shortly after shooting Berger, Bird arrived at Boot where he shot at campers before finally turning his gun on himself. His suicide took place in a wood near Penny Hill Farm, less than a mile from the Woolpack Inn.
Mrs Berger has added: "We've had a lot of support from a lot of people and Harry is very grateful."

Staff at the inn are currently preparing for the Boot Beer Festival, which takes place this weekend.

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