A WOMAN horserider who suffered serious head injuries when she was thrown from her horse while out on the Hayling Billy Trail, has appealed to the Good Samaritans who came to her aid to come forward.
Janice Daws was found unconscious on the trail near the pillbox about half-a-mile south of the Esso Garage on Havant Road, around 2.30pm on March 9.
She was flown to Southampton General Hospital and spent 24 hours in intensive care – but nearly fo
ur months on she does not know who to thank after making a swift recovery.
Two people found Zoe, a former polo pony, minus her rider and quickly came across the injured Janice, who had fallen some five feet down an embankment after falling from the back of her five feet tall horse.
They dialled 999 and waited for help to arrive. Four members of Hayling's Community Responders were able to reach the injured rider with a normal ambulance unable to drive anywhere near the scene.
Luckily the Hampshire Air Ambulance was only a few miles away at the Queen Alexandra Hospital, at Cosham, and was diverted to the Island.
It was able to land on fields close by, but it was some 90 minutes later before the 58-year-old woman, from Hawthorne Grove, was airlifted to hospital.
The paramedics waited for a doctor to check her injuries fully after what was clearly a heavy fall.
Janice told the Islander: "My recollection of what happened is very vauge. I remember speaking to Malcolm Phillips from the Community Responders.
"But I cannot remember how I got to hospital, which is just as well as I don't like helicopters.
"But I really would like to speak to the couple who found me, and personally thank them for all they did.
"They did not leave their name with anyone but stayed until I was flown to hospital. All I know is that they were a husband and wife out walking with their two children.
"They apparently said they would take some pictures of the helicopter leaving, as the doctor told them I would probably not remember anything later on."
The emergency team at Southampton discovered she had suffered some bleeding on the brain, and found fluid on her lung which had also collapsed.
Janice also suffered considerable bruising to her body, but doctors agreed to let her recover at home a couple of days later, after making good progress.
The keen rider had to wait six weeks before getting back on Zoe. "I was impatient but the body was telling me to take it easy, but I am fine now," Janice added.
If you are the Good Samaritans who found Janice, or know who they are, call the Hayling Islander on 9246 3473 and we will put them in touch.
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