Crash musician's gig for medics

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A musician has returned to the hospital where he was treated following a car crash to perform for some of those who helped save his career.

Pianist and flautist Gruff Rees, 24, feared he might never play again after he suffered damage in his right arm in the accident on the M4 in south Wales.

But following three operations and reconstructive surgery in Swansea he is hitting all the right notes again.

He said he would be grateful to the medical staff for the rest of his life.

"It's difficult to explain - it was a huge shock when it happened and the thoughts that go through your mind are pretty grim," he said.

"Initially it was a huge worry, especially when I tried to move my fingers and could not.

"Most instruments require quite a bit of dexterity and finger action."

Doctors at the burns and plastics unit at Swansea's Morriston Hospital were able to rebuild his arm following the accident last year which happened as Mr Rees was travelling from Cardiff to his home in Ammanford.

What they have done for me is incredible and I will always be thankful for that Gruff Rees

Trained at Kings College in London, the singer-song writer said his career was now back on track.

"It's [the arm] is almost 100% functional now," he added.

"It's almost unimaginable how clever these people are and what they can do and have done.

"What they have done for me is incredible and I will always be thankful for that."

To show his appreciation Mr Rees organised a band night at Tycroes in Ammanford and as well as playing for staff at the unit he presented them with a cheque for £1,350.

Consultant surgeon Peter Drew said Mr Rees had lost a lot of skin, tissue and muscle in the accident.

"We were very conscious about how he made his living and that was in our thoughts when we were planning the reconstruction," he added.

"I'm delighted that he has been able to return to playing as well as we all heard this afternoon."