Woman is fortunate to be alive

Woman is fortunate to be alive

7 August 2013

DOCTORS treating a woman who was knocked down by a runaway horse transporter in Downpatrick last week have admitted she is lucky to be alive.

Diane Herron was on her way to the Downe in the Mouth dental surgery in Irish Street with her 10 week-old son, Jack, when she was struck by the lorry which is understood to have suffered a mechanical problem.

Miraculously, her baby son was unharmed, but Mrs. Herron suffered multiple injuries.

Mrs. Herron has been in the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast since the accident last Tuesday.

Her husband, James, who was parking the family car when the incident happened, has this week publicly thanked everyone who helped in the aftermath.

He explained the family was running late for an appointment at the dental surgery and that his wife got out of the car along with baby Jack as the horse lorry was causing a tailback in Irish Street.

“Diane took Jack with her in his car seat, while our other son Lewis, who is three, stayed with me. I went to park the car and when I came back up I turned into Irish Street to witness a scene of mayhem,” explained Mr. Herron.

“I went into the dental surgery and noticed a member of staff was holding Jack. I said ‘that’s my son’ and was asked if I was his father. I then asked where my wife was and a woman pointed under the lorry.

“I went outside and when a policeman discovered who I was he ushered me out of the way. When I was allowed back outside again I went straight under the lorry to see Diane.

“There was a policeman with her the whole time and he was joined by a paramedic when the first ambulance crew arrived. It was these two men who removed Diane from under the lorry and I am very grateful to them and indeed all the members of the emergency services.”

He continued: “What happened to Diane was very traumatic and it is fortunate she did not have Lewis with her when the accident happened.”

Mr. Herron said while he has tried to individually thank everyone who helped last week, he has not been able to. As a result, he has written a letter for publication in this week’s edition of the Recorder to make sure everyone knows how grateful he and his wife Diane are to all those who helped in any way.

He says he has been unable to trace a passing midwife who stopped at the scene of the accident and helped keep him calm.

Mr. Herron said while he does not know the woman, “she was a great help.”

He added: “Diane and I are grateful to everyone who helped last week and want to thank them for everything they did.

“We have been overwhelmed by the level of public support which helps give us strength to aid Diane’s recovery. Thank you to everyone. Your help means so much.”