RUC man who lost arms in IRA attack gets OBE
Belfast Telegraph
Friday, 28 November 2008
A former RUC officer whose arms were amputated after an IRA rocket attack over 25 years ago received an OBE today.
Dr Michael Paterson, 51, has been recognised for his work as a clinical psychologist and contribution to healthcare in Northern Ireland.
Dr Paterson has become an expert at helping victims of trauma leave behind their disturbing memories and rebuild their lives.
He was handed his honour at Buckingham Palace today.
“I’m thrilled to be at the palace to receive my award and have really enjoyed the very special occasion as I’ve been able to share it with my wife Hazel and two of my children, Natalie (21) and Byron (11).”
Dr Paterson is an expert in Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing, a psychological therapy.
He was in a police car in 1981 when the IRA launched a rocket attack on the vehicle at Suffolk Road, Belfast. Colleague Alex Beck was killed.
He now lives in Belfast working as a clinical psychologist.
'So venceremos, beidh bua againn eigin lá eigin. Sealadaigh abú.'
--Bobby Sands