Brave Mandy: I'm not a hero
AS onlookers stood back from the burning car, frozen in horror and convinced they were unable to help, Mandy Gavin risked her life to get Mrs Scarfe to safety.
AS onlookers stood back from the burning car, frozen in horror and convinced they were unable to help, Mandy Gavin risked her life to get Mrs Scarfe to safety.
But self-effacing Mandy, who was in another car with friends when the accident happened, insists her lifesaving actions were just a normal response to seeing someone in danger.
She said: “The thing is, I could see the crash happening but there was nothing I could do. I screamed at my friend to reverse her car in case the other one blew.
“Obviously I got out and went to see Clare and as soon as I got there. I had to put the hood of my coat up because the flames were so hot.
“The danger did not even cross my mind. I know I have saved her life but I hope if I am ever in a situation like that, I hope someone would help me.
“I do not look at myself as a Suffolk hero because I feel Suffolk people help each other anyway, that is something that is born into us and I think the majority of Suffolk people would have done the same.”
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The incident has proved traumatic for both women, and Mandy has developed sleeping problems and had flashbacks.
She said: “All I have got in my mind is her sitting in her footwell just looking at me and that is a look I will never forget.”
