Couple’s gratitude to kind strangers

Woman was knocked unconscious in ice fall

A grateful Stirling couple are looking to trace kind strangers who rushed to their assistance after a fall knocked a woman unconscious in a city street.

Alison and Ian Rose left their home to go on a walk to collect newspapers from their local newsagents on Saturday, January 2, afternoon. However, Mrs Rose slipped in the icy conditions at around 1.30pm, knocking herself out and breaking her arm.

The accident occurred at the junction of Albert Place and Victoria Place.

Mrs Rose, 64, was knocked unconscious for around 15 seconds. When she came round, they decided to head home but on the way Mrs Rose felt unwell and had to sit down on a wall. She then passed out again and collapsed onto the pavement.

In the midst of the panic, two passing couples stopped to offer assistance. They helped Mrs Rose sit up once she regained consciousness. One of the them helped get her seated on to a nearby wall as another dialled 999 for an ambulance

Following the scare, Mr Rose said: “When she came around, she was very groggy and didn’t really know what had happened or where she was. She was a bit shocked.

“I was concerned about concussion and a possible fracture of her arm. These couples then stayed with us to lend moral support until the ambulance arrived and a nearby neighbour came out and kindly brought a chair and blanket to cover her.

“After the ambulance arrived and while my wife was being checked over by the paramedics the couples melted away and we never got a chance to get their names or to express how grateful we were for their help and kindness and to thank them properly.”

Once checked over by paramedics, Mrs Rose was then taken to Forth Valley Royal Hospital for further assessment. However, due to ongoing coronavirus restrictions, Mr Rose was not permitted to accompany her.

A doctor from the hospital later called him to give him the diagnosis – a concussion and a fracture to her left arm, leaving her in a cast.

She has since been recovering well at home.

As he was filled with worry while the incident unfolded, Mr Rose could only describe the two couples as being “lower middle aged”, however he is hopefull of tracing them in order to personally pass on his thanks for the helping hand.

“I would like to say thanks and perhaps pass on a nice bottle of wine,” Mr Rose added.

Did you stop to offer assistance to Mr and Mrs Rose, or know who did? Contact the Stirling Observer by emailing Chris.marzella@ reachplc.com