A WOMAN who was "catastrophically" injured in a car crash two years ago has spoken of her joy after she met her rescuers.

Mary Hindmarch and her partner John were seriously injured in a collision in East Dorset in May 2016. Both face ongoing challenges in their rehabilitation.

But Mary, who lives in Verwood, said she feels lucky to be alive "every single day" thanks to the emergency services personnel who came to her aid.

Earlier this month, she met firefighters and a paramedic who helped at the crash scene, as well as Neil Bizzell, who was aboard the air ambulance which flew her to hospital.

The surprise was arranged for Mary by her friends at the Verwood Pantomime Society. Their most recent performance of the Snow Queen, which took place at The Hub in January, raised £1,450 for the air ambulance.

Mary said she "couldn't stop crying" when she met the people who helped her after the crash.

"It was absolutely wonderful," she said.

"I said to them, 'Thank you for saving my life'. When Neil came in I was in tears.

"It was very emotional for all of us."

Mary was taken to Southampton General Hospital after the collision. She remained in the neurological intensive care unit for several weeks.

"Both my partner and I were catastrophically injured," she said.

"I was the passenger and he was driving. I don't remember a thing about it.

"I can only really remember being at the hospital three weeks later."

Mary has been a member of the Verwood Pantomime Society for 24 years. Members decided to raise funds for the air ambulance with their latest performance as a result of the crash.

Despite the difficulties she and John have battled, Mary said: "I'm so lucky.

"I was lucky to have all those wonderful people to help after the crash.

"It was life-changing for both of us, but we're alive. It's a different life, but it's a good life.

"I'm grateful every single day."