Freak golf accident duo thank ‘kind’ Sidmouth
A RETIRED Sidmouth couple have thanked the town for its “amazing” support after a freak golfing accident left a grandmother without sight in one of her eyes.
Woolbrook Road resident Pat Addis was rushed to hospital by air ambulance after she was struck by a ball while playing the sport with husband David.
An emergency on the eighth hole unfolded as paramedics rushed to the scene. Pat spent five hours in an operating theatre as surgeons battled to save her badly-damaged right eye.
Pat and David this week told the Sidmouth community: “Thanks for your kindness.”
The couple say goodwill and generosity from townsfolk, including complete strangers, has aided Pat’s recovery.
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“It’s not been easy for either of us,” said Pat, “people have been amazing.
“People I don’t even know have offered their support. They’ve helped me through it.”
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The couple say they’ll never play golf again.
“We loved our sport and it was just a freak accident,” said Pat.
“Golf is great game. I took my clubs to an Air Ambulance shop – I couldn’t face them.”
“It was a big hobby of ours, but I just couldn’t play again,” added David.
“The sad thing was we had our clubs insured but not us.
“We really appreciate people’s kindness and thoughtfulness.”
Pat was stood behind a tree in a wooded area when the accident happened on July 25.
She praised paramedics, Devon Air Ambulance and surgeons, doctors and staff at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital for their first-class care and said: “We can’t emphasise enough how brilliant they’ve been.”
The couple organised a quiz evening and raffle at Sidmouth Gold Club last month which raised �650 for Devon Air Ambulance.
They issued special thanks to the Riviera, Victoria and Woodlands hotels, the Anchor Inn, Chris Hargreaves Sport, Seabrease, Mocha, Prospect News, Underhill Building Services, Acanthus Press, Upper Crust Bakery, Kerry Culshaw Catering, Royal York Hotel, Ben Thorn PGA Professional, HMV Exeter and the Blue Ball.
