Monday, September 5, 2011

Ngaire thanks samaritans

Anyone who thinks people walk by those in need these days should talk to Ngaire Spall of Blenheim.

When the 89-year-old fell over in Battys Rd, Springlands, about 4pm last Wednesday at least 15 passersby rushed to help her.

Mrs Spall said she lost her grip on her walker, which got away on her on a small rise, as she was walking back to the Springlands Lifestyle Village after popping down to the supermarket.

"I had the brakes on, but it wouldn't stop," she said.

As she lay on the ground in terrible pain, with a broken arm and heavy bruising developing around her shoulder and face, helpers arrived one after the other.

They did not move her because of the level of pain she was in, but someone offered her a blanket, another person called an ambulance and someone else sought help from the rest home.

Village receptionist and activities co-ordinator Colleen Rakiraki-Steele said people of all ages had offered help.

"I honestly can't believe how many people stopped and offered assistance," she said.

Mrs Spall usually lives in her own home but had been at the village for about a week receiving respite care. She moved to Blenheim some years ago with her late husband from their farm near Palmerston North.

She said she was grateful to everyone who had stopped.

"Blenheim people are nice," she said.

"I've always loved Blenheim."

The keen rugby fan hoped she would recover enough to watch the Rugby World Cup in comfort when it starts on Friday.

- The Marlborough Express

SIMON WONG
Last updated 13:00 05/09/2011

Ngaire Spall is grateful to the many people who stopped to help her when she fell over last week.
SCOTT HAMMOND
ON THE MEND: Ngaire Spall is grateful to the many people who stopped to help her when she fell over last week.


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