'I'm so lucky to be alive' says Newbury pensioner after collision

Pensioner and mother-of-three Joan Fitzgerald, who lives in The Oaks, was crossing the busy A339 when her mobility scooter and a lorry collided near the roundabout by Pinchington Lane.
Mrs Fitzgerald suffered injuries to her face, elbow and ankle, and her family is now appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident to come forward.
Now, Rachel Keating of Charles Hoile Solicitors is asking anyone who witnessed the incident to call her on (01635) 45595.
A spokesman for Thames Valley Police, Craig Evry, said that the driver of the lorry was spoken to at the scene, but that so far no-one had been arrested or charged in connection with the incident.
Mrs Fitzgerald said: “I was dragged for at least 15 yards,
possibly even 20 yards, from the crossing by the roundabout to the bus stop by the college.
“It was very scary and I really thought that was it. I thought I was going to die.”
“I was extremely lucky, but it’s left me very shaken. Because the scooter has been ruined, I can’t go anywhere, even if I wanted to. It’s really knocked my confidence.
“A couple of young lads who were at the bus stop by the college rushed over to help and asked if I was OK.”
Mrs Fitzgerald said she had to call paramedics days after the incident after suffering an angina attack.
Concerned daughter Joanne Shearsby said: “Her blood pressure was 200 and I honestly thought she was going to have a heart attack. She is battered and bruised and very, very lucky it wasn’t more serious.
“She doesn’t show her emotions, but I could see it in her eyes. It has emotionally damaged her.
“I am worried she is going to give up. She is very independent and now she’s lost access to her scooter she is housebound.
“The nurses and doctors were absolutely gobsmacked. They kept saying they couldn’t believe she was still in one piece.
“We believe that one man who was in Lloyds Bank shortly afterwards saw everything and we are appealing for him and others to come forward.”