A COUPLE whose lives were thrown into turmoil when they were badly injured in a car crash near York have praised the many people who have helped them recover.

Kenneth and Pamela Hindmarsh, from Elvington, were seriously injured when their Renault Megane was involved in a head-on collision with a Vauxhall Corsa on a minor road between Thorganby and Wheldrake.

Mr Hindmarsh, 65, was knocked unconscious, suffering head injuries a shattered leg and broken ribs, which punctured his lung.

But Mrs Hindmarsh, 54, who suffered spinal injuries and a broken arm, remained conscious as firefighters spent 45 minutes freeing them from their wrecked car.

After nearly a month in hospital, they have spent the last two months recuperating at their home in Lorraine Avenue, supported by friends and neighbours.

Mr Hindmarsh, who retired from his job as maintenance man at the former Swallow Hotel, York, only months before the crash, said: "There are 101 people involved when you have an accident like this. It's not just a question of somebody picking you up and taking you to hospital."

He said the couple wanted to thank the police, fire and ambulance services, a lorry driver who called for help on his mobile phone, all the staff at York District Hospital who cared for them, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, their GP, Dr David Lightwing, and the friends and neighbours who were still helping them.

"They are all very special people and we appreciate everything that has been done for us. We don't know where we would be without them," said Mr Hindmarsh.

The couple have received flowers and more than 200 cards from well-wishers, including friends from the Central Methodist Church, York.

Mrs Hindmarsh started as a receptionist at the Retreat psychiatric hospital, in York, a year before the crash and colleagues there have also been keen to help.

Mr Hindmarsh said: "People have just been wonderful. We have got a lot to be thankful for."

The couple are hoping to be fully recovered for the wedding of their son, Charles, in September.

Updated: 09:43 Saturday, June 02, 2001