Dreams in tatters

Injured . . . PCSO Nicola Shipway

Heartless driver leaves PCSO mum with spine injuries

AN Oldham PCSO’s dream of a holiday in Florida with her two young children has been crushed after a dangerous driver left her with spinal injuries.

Nicola Shipway had to swerve after she was nearly knocked off her pedal bike when a driver took a bend erratically on Goss Hall Street, Clarksfield.

The swerve forced her off her bike, and the impact damaged bones in her spine. She is currently in the Royal Oldham Hospital undergoing scans on two cracked vertebrae.

The 35-year-old PCSO, who was on duty on her new beat, has worked in Oldham for three years, mainly in the Waterhead area, and was due to fly to Florida in May

The accident has also ended her hopes of running a marathon in Blackpool on April 11 with fellow PCSO Anthony Riley to raise money for Groundwork’s summer events for local residents in St Mary’s ward. Her supervisor, Sgt Cherie Dunn, of the East Oldham Neighbourhood Team, said: “Nicola is very well known in the Waterhead area where she has worked closely with the schools.

“She was due to have a dream holiday in Florida, only six weeks away, and it’s doubtful if she will be able to go with her two young children.

“On Monday the red S-registered Honda car turned towards her from Lees Road and the manner in which it was driven was erratic and dangerous.

“He took the corner and turned into the junction, and Nicola just happened to be there.

“She had to swerve, but he drove off and didn’t try to help.”

Police officers went to her aid after the accident which happened on Monday at 10.15am.
Chief Inspector Rob Tinsley said: “This offender’s irresponsible and erratic driving has landed one of our PCSOs in hospital.

“She was extremely lucky to have escaped the incident without permanent damage.

“We are determined to identify this offender, but we need the public’s help.

“If you saw a red Honda driving erratically in that area, or have any idea who the driver was, please get in touch.”

Anyone with information can contact Greater Manchester Police on 0161 872 5050 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.