Valerie Howard, who lives in Helston, suffered horrific injuries, including a serious head injury after a collision in 2019 - despite wearing a seatbelt, which she credits as the reason she survived the crash. She was safely pulled from the wreckage by the firefighters before being taken to Deriford Hospital, then transferred to Royal Cornwall Hospital and finally to Helston Community Hospital for rehabilitation. Valerie with Helston Fire Station watch manager Mark Skinner (Image: Facebook) Following the successful celebrations at Helston Fire Station on Sunday, Valerie shared an emotional post on her Facebook thanking those who saved her life.
She said: “A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to preserve and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles. “I will always be grateful to you Mark Skinner and your team. “Again, thank you so much for what you and your team did so that I would stay alive back then.
“You guys are amazing people” Five years later, Valerie is now a mum and works on the same ward where she received treatment all those years ago. “I wanted to give back to the places that made sure I would heal well,” she told the Packet. “It’s what I have always wanted to do, to give back.
” Valerie sustained serious injuries following the collision in 2019 (Image: Facebook) Mark Skinner, Helston Fire Station Watch Manager, said he deeply admired Valerie's accomplishments over the past five years. He said: "I personally will never forget .