A STAINDROP woman’s “kindness and selflessness” in the aftermath of a catastrophic head-on collision has been recognised in a special ceremony.
Former behavioural teacher Jemma Clark, 35, had just turned onto the A68 near Toft Hill on the morning of September 13, 2018, when Craig Allen, at the wheel of a Kia Venga, attempted an overtaking manoeuvre and collided with chef Nick Copson’s Vauxhall Astra.
Judge James Adkin recommended Mrs Clark for a commendation award after hearing her witness testimony in April at Durham Crown Court when Allen, 46, of Front Street, Stanhope, was convicted of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and jailed for 38 months.
He said her actions in the wake of the crash needed to be recognised.
She was presented with the Certificate of Commendation and a £500 cheque during the ceremony at Durham Crown Court last Tuesday, when County Durham’s High Sheriff, Robert Harle, also attended.
Judge Adkin said: “Mrs Clark promptly dialled 999 and then stayed on the scene offering words of comfort to those who were trapped in motor vehicles who had suffered injury.
“This was a particularly notable act of kindness and selflessness which deserves to be rewarded.”
Recalling the day, Mrs Clark said: “Thankfully I’d just dropped off my son, Alfie, at childcare in Hamsterley and was on my way to work in at the Evergreen School, Bishop Auckland.
“I turned onto the A68 and that’s when the accident happened in front of me.
“The noise was awful – like an enormous explosion.”
“I’ll never forget the noise that was coming from the cars – it was awful. But at least I knew they were alive.
“It was about 6.40am and there was no one else around because it was so early. I suppose it was instinct that kicked in.
“I rang 999 right away and did what I could to help
out.”
Mrs Clark stayed on the phone with an emergency services operator, comforting Allen, his son and Mr Copson while waiting for responders to arrive.
Police were on the scene in minutes with the ambulance and the fire brigade service close behind.
She said: “At one-point Nick told me he was going towards a white light and I kept slapping his hand to keep him with me.
“He asked me to give his wife a message and I was able to get his phone and he managed to leave a message for her.”
Mrs Clark added: “I thought when the ambulance arrived, they would want me to leave, but I was comforting Craig as he was going into shock and they asked me to stay while they cut him out of the vehicle.”
Mr Copson is now said to be making small steps to recovery after suffering life-changing injuries, undergoing a double leg amputation and being left paralysed.
“I have kept in touch with Nick and have spoken on the phone a few times,” said Mrs Clark.
Mrs Clark, who has since left her teaching job to become head groom at a stable in Streatlam, added: “I always knew who was to blame for the accident, but Craig didn’t get up that morning to cause an accident it just happened and I did what I could at the time.
Speaking after the ceremony, Mrs Clark, accompanied by her proud husband of three weeks John, said she “never expected anything like this when I was asked to go to court” .
She added: “The cheque is lovely but the certificate means so much more to me and it will be a reminder long after the money is gone.”
