Crash survivors raise £5,000 for hospital unit

A couple who almost died in a car crash caused by a drunk driver have raised thousands of pounds for the hospital that saved their lives.

John and Michelle McSherry - horrifically injured in the head-on collision - held a charity event at the weekend to thank everyone involved in their recovery. They had to give up their business at the Poplar Cottage tea rooms near Claverley after the crash.

They raised £2,500 at the event at the Civic Centre, Wombourne, for the intensive care unit at New Cross Hospital, Wolverhampton.

Barclay's Bank pledged to match the amount, making a grand total of £5,000.

The couple laid on a buffet with the help of former staff and others stepped in to provide entertainment. They were out picking up a takeaway meal on the night of July 25, 2009, when the accident happened.

Their Silver Mitsubishi FTO Mivek was hit by father-of-two Tony Gordon's Vauxhall Astra on the A454 Bridgnorth Road at Hilton.

The 37-year-old, found to be three times the drink-drive limit, died in the collision.

Mr McSherry, 58, had facial injuries, a shattered right knee, 10 broken ribs, a fractured pelvis and a spleen so badly ruptured it had to be removed. His wife, 46, had pelvis, rib, leg and lung injuries. Her right foot was pulverised and had to be repaired with steel pins.They were in New Cross for nine weeks.

On Saturday Mr McSherry, a former Pontins blue coat, entertained 200 people with his impression of comedy legend Frank Spencer, which he regularly performed at the tea rooms.

There were also performances from a singer-guitarist and a school steel band from Hednesford and a disco.

It was attended by three of four consultants who worked on their injuries — orthopaedic surgeon Eric Isbister, lung specialist Brian Isgar and heart surgeon Heyman Luckraz.

Orthopaedic surgeon Ryland Thomas was unable to attend, due to family commitments.

Other medical staff, police, friends and former customers were also among the guests.

The couple, who still have two more operations to undergo, will renew their marriage vows on the second anniversary of the crash.

Poplar Cottage, which has not been open since the crash, is up for sale.

The couple, who walk with the aid of crutches, hope that it will remain as a cafe.