Being stabbed on the way to work would cause many to consider their future. But Wolverhampton lollipop lady Vinetta Marshall today pledged to stay in the job until the compulsory retirement age of 71 having passed her annual medical exam.
The 68-year-old was stabbed in the face in a random, frenzied attack as she made her way to work at Merridale Primary School in 2004. Yesterday, the Express & Star revealed how 35 incidents of crossing wardens being put in danger were reported in Wolverhampton in recent years, mainly from drivers who fail to stop.
Mrs Marshall said today she would welcome the introduction of lollipop-mounted cameras to catch drivers who fail to stop if Wolverhampton City Council ever brought it in.
Every morning and afternoon the grandmother, of Dale Street, helps youngsters cross Aspen Way to get to and from Merridale Primary.
She is there every weekday from 8.20am to 9am and from 3.10pm to 4pm. But there was a time when it was feared the grandmother might have to hang up her hat and fluorescent coat for good following the attack by psychotic Gita Holness as she walked to work along Great Brickkiln Street.Mrs Marshall was saved by passer-by Phil Woolley, who wrestled the knife from Holness and used a T-shirt to stem the blood.
Holness, then aged 46, of Melbury Close in Graiseley, was later detained indefinitely under the Mental Health Act.
Mrs Marshall said: “I know the lady did not come out intending to hurt me and I don’t hold any grudges. I’m fine now. As long as I keep passing my medical exams I want to keep on doing my job until I’m 71. I would not swap it for anything.”
Mrs Marshall’s biggest problem is drivers who fail to stop. “The cameras would be a good idea,” she said.
By Daniel Wainwright
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