Abbie Hayes was involved in a ‘life-changing’ car crash 12 months ago.
Crews from Fleet, Hartley Wintney, Rushmoor and Basingstoke were called to the scene, and were required to perform a complex rescue ensuring the then teenager wouldn’t lose her leg, which was trapped in the wreckage.
With the other people in the vehicle removed, the firefighters worked to free Abbie for around three hours.
Suffering a broken back, femur, elbow, hand, rib, tibula and fibula in the incident, Abbie was taken to Southampton General Hospital for spinal surgery, but in a position where her leg could be saved thanks to the efforts of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service team.
The past year has seen the former bar worker continue her remarkable recovery wearing an ilizarov frame on her leg, helping to grow 4cm of bone lost in the collision.
Committed to her rehabilitation, the 20-year-old graduated from a wheelchair and is now able to walk again using her frame.
Abbie said:
“I don’t remember much at all after waking up in the hospital and following surgery. I’m told I almost lost my leg so the fact I’m here in one piece is amazing. I can’t thank them enough.
“There was a car fire near my house shortly after I’d returned home, and the Fleet firefighters were there, so I hobbled over to see if it was the same crew.
“It was an amazing moment to be reunited with the heroes who saved my life.”
Crew Manager Jack Jacobs, Fleet Fire Station said:
“We had just finished dealing with a vehicle fire when we saw Abbie and her parents coming over to us.
“As firefighters we never usually get to see what happens after a call out like that and this one was by far the most challenging vehicle rescue we have ever performed.
“I couldn’t believe it when we saw Abbie, it was an incredible moment. To see her standing on her own two feet and supporting her own weight is truly remarkable.
“I think we all agreed that it was the smoke from the fire that had caused the watery eyes.”
Once she was back in her Fleet home, Abbie was determined to show her appreciation for the firefighters who rescued her and started planning a fundraiser for a charity close to the crew’s hearts, The Fire Fighters Charity.
Walking five miles, the longest she has walked with the 9kg cage on her leg, Abbie will be joined by her Fleet heroes this Saturday, accompanying her on her mission from Fleet Fire Station at 11:30.
Abbie continued:
“The people who saved my life and gave me a second chance were the firefighters. I will never ever be able to thank all of them enough for changing my life.
“They are the most incredible people I have ever met and they don’t get enough recognition.
“The walk is the least I can do. Even the smallest donation makes an incredible difference.”
Crew Manager Jacobs continued:
“It’s been a long recovery but her determination is evident and something she and her family should be proud of.
“We looked after Abbie a year ago, and now she wants to look after us.”
You can show your support for Abbie’s fundraiser on her Just Giving site and follow the Fleet crew’s progress on their Facebook page as they walk alongside Abbie this weekend.