A FIVE-year-old girl from Hockley has thanked firefighters who stepped in to help following a serious playground accident.

Eight weeks after the incident, Olive Cook-Taylor visited Rayleigh Weir Fire Station to meet Red Watch firefighters and receive a Certificate of Bravery in recognition of the courage she has shown throughout her recovery.

Olive suffered a serious hand injury while playing on a roundabout at a park near Elizabeth Close in Hockley, resulting in the loss of some of her fingertips.

As Olive was taken to Southend Hospital for emergency treatment, firefighters began a careful search of the play area. 

They located her fingertips, placed them in a bag of ice and drove them to hospital on blue lights.

Olive was later transferred to Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford, where surgeons successfully reattached her fingertips.

To mark her recovery, Olive visited the fire station to meet Red Watch and presented the crew with paintings to thank them for their swift actions on the day.

During the visit, Olive and her family, including her brother Freddie, were given a tour of the station and met the firefighters involved. Olive and Freddie were also presented with gifts donated by Smyths Toys at Rayleigh Weir.

Olive’s mum, Linda, said: “Everything happened so quickly, and while Olive was being taken to hospital, the firefighters were still doing everything they could to help.

“We’re incredibly grateful for what they did that day. Their determination and care meant so much to us as a family.

“It’s amazing to see how well Olive is recovering. She’s been so brave.”

Group Manager, Dave Walpole – who leads the South East Command at Essex County Fire and Rescue Service – said: “Our firefighters showed great professionalism, determination and care in supporting Olive and her family. While Olive was receiving treatment, crews remained focused on doing everything they could to assist.

“It’s great to see how well she is recovering, and I know Red Watch loved welcoming her to the station. 

“The bravery and resilience she has shown are remarkable, and she thoroughly deserves this recognition.”

Watch Manager Dave Taylor added: “It was wonderful to welcome Olive to the station and see how well she is doing.

“She has shown real courage throughout her recovery, and we were proud to present her with a Certificate of Bravery signed by our Chief Fire Officer, Rick Hylton.”

The firefighters involved were Watch Manager Dave Taylor, Crew Manager Dale Perry and Firefighters Lee Blackwell, Ben Pullen, Katie Sharp, Tony Mills and Nicola Roe.

Olive, who attends Westerings Primary Academy, is now back enjoying majorettes as she continues her recovery.