Colne car crash victims: We are lucky to be alive (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Colne car crash victims: We are lucky to be alive

5:30pm Thursday 23rd August 2012 in News By Kate Jackson, Reporter

A MOTHER and son who were badly injured when they were hit by a car as they walked to school say they are ‘lucky to be alive’.

Emma Matthews 31, and her son Leighton Cawdrey, 10, of Birtwistle Avenue, Colne, were crossing Skipton Road on July 18 on their way to Park Primary School, when they were struck by a blue Hyundai.

The pair, who were airlifted to Leeds General Infirmary say that they are thankful they are okay, despite having to remain on crutches for the next few months.

Emma was treated for a fractured pelvis and a hairline fracture at the base of her spine and Leighton for a compound fracture to his left leg.

They have now spoken for the first time of their ordeal.

Leighton has undergone an operation to have two metal rods inserted into his left thigh for six months to ensure his bone is kept straight.

The mother and son have been told that they will make a full recovery in time, however both are still on crutches and may need them for the next few months.

They have been staying at Emma’s father’s house where they have been sleeping downstairs while they recover.

The pair are backing calls from 500 residents who are demanding improved road safety measures by King George V Park where they accident happened.

Emma, who works on the deli counter at Colne Sainsbury’s supermarket, said: “The accident could have been a lot worse, I feel that we are very lucky to be alive.

“The driver of the car was not at fault and we weren’t either. If anything the road was to blame, it’s so difficult to see past all the parked cars.

“I am now scared to cross the road and have not been there since the accident.

“Leighton has even been worried about crossing the road in front of our house which is quiet, I will not let Leighton cross Skipton Road again.

“Something needs to be done about it before someone else is badly injured or killed.”

Speaking of the incident, she said that they were walking along the road on their usual route to school and had stepped out passed parked cars into the road, to see if it was safe to cross.

She added: “I remember a lorry coming one way and then I thought it was clear so we just went, the next thing I saw was a car coming towards us. I knew were going to be hit because there was no way that she would be able to stop in time.

“Neither of us actually remember being hit, the first thing I knew was that I was laid on the road with my brother stood over me.

“I’m still in a lot of pain, if I forget my pain killer then I can really feel it. The consultant said that I shouldn’t be doing as well as I am doing but I don’t like to stay still.

“Both me and Leighton are very active people so it has been very frustrating not being able to do anything. Leighton hasn’t had much of a summer holiday, he usually plays out a lot with his friends, playing on a trampoline and climbing trees but he has had to stay inside most of the time.”