Dreamscape survivor says thanks for saving my life

Jul 24 2008 by Neil Mckay, The Journal

A LITTLE girl who captured the heart of a nation when she fought to survive horrific injuries in the Chester-le-Street Dreamscape tragedy is beginning her school holidays today.

And she hopes to spend part of them raising funds for the helicopter crew which saved her life.

This week Rosie Wright, now five, of Langley Park, Durham, accompanied her mother Penny and brother Jack, seven, to place flowers at the scene where two women died in Chester-le-Street’s Riverside Park on a blistering hot Sunday afternoon two years ago yesterday.

Rosie laid flowers in memory of mother-of-two Claire Furmedge, 38, from Chester-le-Street, and Elizabeth Colling, 68, from Seaham, who were killed.

Her mother, who was also injured in the incident, said: “Rosie does remember it. She went very quiet and asked how it was that she was still alive when the two ladies died.

“She still has a bit of a limp, but she has made a marvellous recovery and is looking forward to the start of her school holidays.”

Penny, who suffered back injuries and deafness after surviving a 70ft fall from the inflatable, said she still suffers from panic attacks.

Her daughter’s life was saved by the quick-thinking of paramedic Jane Peacock and colleague Kevin Hodgson, who were on board the Great North Air Ambulance helicopter and spotted Rosie lying on the ground.

Ms Peacock alerted off-duty anaesthetist Dr Peter Evans – whom she knew from her training at the James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough – and called him over to have a look at Rosie.

Dr Evans flew in the helicopter with Rosie to Newcastle General Hospital, where she underwent emergency treatment for a punctured lung, spinal fractures, broken thigh, ribs and ankle, liver lacerations, head wound and badly bruised elbow.

Penny said: “I remember seeing Jane and begging her to look after Rosie before they soared away in the helicopter.”

Now Rosie, her mum and brother Jack, seven, are keen fund-raisers for the Great North Air Ambulance Appeal.

Rosie has starred in a TV commercial appealing for funds. Her mother said: “We all know how vital it is to have a helicopter which can get people to hospital quickly.

“Rosie has also sung Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and accompanied Jack to The Wheels on the Bus at shopping centres in Chester-le-Street and Washington during fund-raising events for the air ambulance.

“Now the holidays are here, we would like to do some more for the appeal, to thank the crew who saved Rosie’s life.”

To donate to the Great North Air Ambulance Appeal write to GNAAS, Imperial Centre, Grange Road, Darlington, DL15NQ or ring (01325) 487263 for details.

We would like to do some more for the appeal, to thank the crew who saved Rosie’s life