From Tragedy To Triumph: Care Home Resident Reunited With Police Officers Who Saved Her Life

Vera Farrell, who has been a resident at Friends of the Elderly’s Little Bramingham Farm Residential Care Home in Luton since June 2025, has had a wonderful visit from the two Police Officers who helped to save and comforted her following a harrowing and shocking road accident last February.

On 24th February last year, Vera was sadly involved in a traumatic accident, which left her unconscious and stranded, lying half on and half off the pavement of a busy road in Luton. “I can’t really remember what happened,” said Vera. “One minute I was walking on the pavement, and the next I was laying on the cold concreate floor with two lovely Policemen by my side.

“Constable Jake Bowden of The British Transport Police and Constable Dan Nunn from the Cambridgeshire Constabulary (formerly of British Transport Police), were such gentlemen and I was so lucky they were there to help me. They told me that they just happened to see the accident as they were in the wrong area, literally passing by, when it happened. I do remember that, quite randomly, we got on to the subject of football – can you imagine it? There I was on the pavement with two Policemen talking about The Hatters.”

One of the Police Officers remarked that Vera’s shopping trolley had been badly crushed in the accident – and Vera’s response was immediate and heartfelt – despite the seriousness of the situation, and her sense of humour quickly shone through.
“I wasn’t worried about my trolley,” said Vera. “I was more worried about my cheese sandwich inside it. I was having that later.”

Vera’s injuries were extensive, and she was air lifted by an Air Ambulance Helicopter to London’s King’s College Hospital, one of the country’s largest and busiest teaching hospitals. “I was very lucky to be taken to King’s College Hospital as it has a 24/7 rooftop helipad which has direct access for the air ambulances to its trauma centre,” added Vera.

Following surgery, which sadly included the amputation of one of Vera’s legs, and a stay at King’s College Hospital, Vera was transferred to The Lambeth Community Centre which specialises in supporting patients with their rehabilitation after an amputation. “The care I received following my operation to remove my leg and recover, was amazing. Everyone was so kind and thoughtful,” continued Vera. “After a time, I was moved closer to home to Bedford Hospital, where the nursing team were also very kind.”

In June 2025, Vera moved into Friends of the Elderly’s Little Bramingham Farm in Luton for a respite and recouperation stay at the care home. “When I arrived, I immediately felt safe and at home,” said Vera.

“By the time I arrived for my respite break, I had already been fitted with my new prosthetic leg, and all the care team were so attentive and kind, helping me and encouraging me. They all made sure – and still do – that I was 100% safe that I was as mobile and independent as possible. Having that 24/7 continuous care and help made it an easy decision for me to make Little Bramingham Farm my new home on a permanent basis.”

“Vera is extremely active, and doesn’t let anything stand in her way,” said Jo Rumney, Deputy Manager at Little Bramingham Farm. “Vera is now known at the care home for her determination and positive outlook. She’s extremely active and doesn’t let anything stand in her way,” added Karen Charity, Activities Coordinator at Little Bramingham Farm. “She turns even a short walk into an exercise session and joins in enthusiastically with our activities. She’s a real force of nature.”

Knowing how much she wanted to see and thank Constable Bowden and Constable Nunn, Vera’s Niece, Maureen, reached out to them to see if it would be possible for them to visit her Aunt at the care home and, on 5th January, Vera’s wish was granted.

“I was over the moon to see my two ‘Policemen Stars’ again,” said Vera. “We had a lovely time catching up over a cuppa. I cannot tell you how much I appreciated them taking time out of their busy days to come to see me. They really are my very own heroes.”

“It was truly wonderful to see Vera reunited with the officers who helped save her life. She didn’t stop smiling, and it meant so much to her. Moments like this show the power of kindness and connection,” concluded Emma.