A STOWMARKET pensioner's first day trip in several years turned into a nightmare when she was involved in a coach crash.Helene Hewitt had arranged a fun day out with husband Peter after recovering from a stroke two years ago and having a malignant lump removed from her breast last July.

A STOWMARKET pensioner's first day trip in several years turned into a nightmare when she was involved in a coach crash.

Helene Hewitt had arranged a fun day out with husband Peter after recovering from a stroke two years ago and having a malignant lump removed from her breast last July.

The pair had chosen to take a coach trip to King's Lynn shopping, because it was not too far to travel.

But less than an hour into the journey on Tuesday, the coach they were travelling on collided with a minibus.

Today Mrs Hewitt told of her experience and also wanted to praise the coach driver who helped to get them all out of the vehicle.

Mrs Hewitt said: "We haven't been out much at all in the last few years. I lost control of the right side of my body after my stroke and it took a long time to re-learn how to do certain things.

"It has also taken a long time to recover after my cancer operation so we felt it was about time to book a nice day out.

"We had often gone out on coach trips before I became ill and so was looking forward to getting back out and enjoying ourselves."

The couple also chose the trip to King's Lynn because Mrs Hewitt has a passion for shopping.

The coach loaded up with 30 passengers on Tuesday before the collision in Norfolk on the A134 at 9.40am.

Mrs Hewitt said: "I heard an enormous scream. It was John, the driver, trying to warn us something was about to happen.

"I tried to stand up but at that moment the bus swerved and I was thrown back on to the seat.

"There was a loud crash and then everything was silent.

"I could smell diesel and could see it gushing out on to the road so knew we had to all get out.

"John had got stuck in his seat in the impact but as soon as he got out he came up to all of us, checked we were all right and aided us out of the emergency exits."

The group was out within minutes and soon after fire engines, ambulances, police and an air ambulance was on the scene.

Four people were taken to hospital but many of the other passengers waited for another coach to come and take them on their trip.

Mrs Hewitt added: "We always ask the Lord to look after us when we go out and he certainly did on this occasion.

"The trip will not deter me from going out again but I will keep praying to God to keep me safe.

"I feel I am an experience richer because of it all and I would like to thank John the driver for helping us all and wish him a speedy recovery."

N Were you involved in the crash? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or send us an e-mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk