CHARD Carnival horror accident victim Theresa Finn – who sustained life-changing injuries after getting trapped underneath a Carnival float last year – has thanked the emergency services for keeping her alive.

It is now four months since October 14, 2017, when Theresa, part of the road crew of the Chard-based Eclipse Carnival Club, suddenly found herself desperately fighting for her life having lost a leg in the terrible accident.

But Theresa, of Chard, has shown her true fighting spirit and has said she is hoping to be walking again by the end of March.

Theresa, who is currently in a wheelchair, was on hand at the Guildhall in Chard on Sunday to present a cheque on behalf of Chard Carnival Committee to Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance charity volunteer fundraiser Jacky Crew.

“I would like to thank everyone for their support,” said Theresa.

“The fire service, first responders and the air ambulance were simply fantastic – without them I wouldn’t be here today.

“I have got a long way to go on the road to recovery, but I’m here and I’m still breathing which is thanks to everyone who has helped me.

“I would like to thank all my family and friends for their support and love and by the end of March I shall hopefully be up and walking.”

It was the Coastguard Air Ambulance which transported Theresa to hospital but a representative was unable to attend the presentation night at the Guildhall, where around £5,500 was given out to an array of local groups and organisations.

But Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance volunteer Jacky said: “We carry blood, a consultant doctor and a critical care paramedic on every flight and so we’ve gone from being a transport service where we take a casualty to hospital to being able to bring the emergency department to the roadside.”

Earlier, the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service and the Chard First Responders medical group were also given cheques.

Chard firefighter Lee Smith said: “It was a very challenging situation and we were so grateful to have the first responders with us to provide that vital emergency medical response.

“We were unanimous in our decision that our donation should go to the first responders.”

The St John Ambulance group was also presented with a donation on the night.

Chard Carnival Committee chairman Jason Baker said: “We could not put on what is the biggest event in Chard each year without the help and assistance of all of our emergency services – the police, ambulance service and fire service. We work throughout the year with these authorities to ensure that we have everything in place and have adequate cover for the event.”