Firefighter improving after assault

Bashed Martinborough firefighter Peter Fisher continues to make steady progress on his road to recovery and has now been transferred from Wellington Hospital to a rehab centre in Porirua.

Staff at the Acquired Brain Injury Rehab Centre were yesterday working on paralysis of Mr Fisher's right side.

His father Brian Fisher said his injured son, who was bashed in a serious assault in Martinborough on October 28, was getting stronger by the day.

His speech is improving and tests for short-term memory have been favourable, Mr Fisher said.

He said visits by family, friends and well-wishers were being carefully monitored as one of the main planks to recovery was for Peter to get plenty of rest.

"Sleep is the best cure for brain injuries and he is sleeping long hours."

Nevertheless, the "tight five" - Peter's partner Freida, his father and mother, brother Paul and sister Dee - are taking turns at making sure one or more of them are nearby as Peter battles his way back to health.

Brian Fisher praised the centre's staff. "They are extremely good at what they do and, in Peter's case, they are all remaining very positive."

Mr Fisher revealed the family has a long history of fire fighting, stretching back to the 1880s.

He himself served as a full-time fireman in Porirua and later remained as a volunteer, and is a Gold Star holder.

Likewise, Paul was a fireman for 15 years.