I would like to thank all those people who helped us at the scene as well as those who have been helping me and my children cope with life ever since.

First, the lady who took care of my boy and sat with him in her car the entire time the emergency staff were working on getting me out of my car. Afterwards, he said “the lady was nice” and I like to grant her a large part in his speedy emotional recovery from the experience (luckily he wasn’t physically hurt much – just some bruises and scratches).

Secondly, the woman who sat behind me and held my neck until I was moved out of my car and into the ambulance. I only know her as a voice and a possible name (Rosanne).

Thank you both for taking the time to sit with us and give comfort and reassurance.

I also want to thank all the emergency personnel who I know did their best to get me out of there and to lessen my pain (police, paramedics and firemen).

Furthermore, a huge thank you to all my friends in Stow who, over the last year, have shown me what living in a small community is all about. From helping me sort out my house while I was in hospital to visiting me every day and helping me get my children to places they needed to go while I couldn’t walk or drive, and many, many other big and small things.

Being a single mum with three young children and no family nearby could so easily have left me feeling so lonely and isolated. We are doing so much better now a year on and will be forever grateful.

Ulrika Doherty

Cathpair Lodge

Stow

May we offer our thanks to the organisers, performers and veterans for allowing us to attend a most memorable concert in the Tait Hall, Kelso, last Friday.

From the moving poetry of Kelso High School pupils, to the inspirational and humbling talk by Lt Col Willie Swinton (Scots Guards) and Major Dr. Cath Livingstone (RAMCTA), along with the music from Selkirk Silver Band and all the other performers, it was a most pleasant way to spend a night.

If the night could be faulted, it would be that it ended.

I’ve had the privilege to walk in the shadow of real heroes – it is with pride that I can call some of them friends.

It’s about time every Border town and village recognised our serving and veteran personnel.

K. and D. COCKBURN

Priory Bank

Coldstream