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Good Samaritan comes forward after helping woman injured outside Costa, Gillingham

A pregnant woman has told of the moment she dropped everything to try and save a seriously-hurt Costa customer.

Injured Rhonda Hardman was outside the coffee giant's Gillingham branch when its awning crashed down on her.

The shop awning which fell outside Costa in Gillingham High Street. Picture: Bobby Lockwood
The shop awning which fell outside Costa in Gillingham High Street. Picture: Bobby Lockwood

The 66-year-old Allhallows resident was taken to hospital with with cuts to her head and a broken sternum.

Recovering from the December 6 incident, she issued an appeal for the “guardian angel” who came to her aid to come forward.

Rhonda had been handed the lady's name and number but was unable to reach her.

Following an appeal on KentOnline, mum-of-two Victoria Broad got in touch to say it was her who rushed to help.

And she revealed she'd passed a first-aid course just the day before the accident.

The crowd of people outside Costa Coffee in Gillingham High Street. Picture: Bobby Lockwood
The crowd of people outside Costa Coffee in Gillingham High Street. Picture: Bobby Lockwood

She said: "I could see the board was moving and I said to my friend 'that's going to fall in a minute'.

"I stood there and watched and it started moving a bit more strongly. I dropped my bags and ran to move her before it fell on her."

Although Victoria, of Cobham Rise, Gillingham, was too late, she used her newly-gained skills in making sure Rhonda was okay.

She added: "I went and asked staff to get her a cup of water, put a compression to her head and spoke to the ambulance on the phone, doing what they told me to do. I explained the situation to the paramedics and wrote a statement.

She was taken to be treated at Medway Maritime Hospital
She was taken to be treated at Medway Maritime Hospital

"As far Rhonda was aware, it was only one cut she had, but when I moved her hair, I could see her head cut open. It was quite deep."

Victoria took her first-aid course in preparation of the arrival of her third child in April.

She said: "I wanted to do the course for adults and children so if someone was out on the street and someone was hurt, I would know how to respond."

Medway Council has confirmed it is carrying out a health and safety inquiry following the incident.

KentOnline has put the two women in touch with each other.

Read more: All the latest news from Medway

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