"Lucky to be alive": anger after grandad injured by falling tree at Clifton Park

Olivia Jarman is keenly awaiting the outcome of an investigation by Rotherham Council into how a large section of tree was able to crash down onto her husband Pete as they walked along the pavement in Middle Lane.

Mrs Jarman has now appealed for any other residents who have reported concerns about trees alongside the road in Clifton to come forward.

Mr Jarman suffered broken bones in his back, chest and neck and needed more than 20 stitches to his head (below) following the incident on July 1.

And Mrs Jarman said the consequences could have been even worse as she and the couple’s five-year-old grand-daughter Niyah had stopped briefly as the little girl had a stone in her shoe.

“We are no experts but I’m sure there will be a full investigation,” said Mrs Jarman.

“This could have been prevented.

“We were made aware that a school was on an inset day so this could have been so much worse. I’m just glad my husband is alive.”

The couple had been visiting the park before heading home to Milton Keynes, having attended Mr Jarman’s father’s funeral the previous day.

As well as the fractures, Mr Jarman also suffered a hand injury, bruising and grazes.

In the same the incident, a woman escaped unhurt when the same large bough fell onto and crushed her Nissan Qashqai.

Mrs Jarman thanked everyone who had made supportive and sympathetic comments on social media posts, as well as everyone who had helped at the scene.

A spokesperson for Rotherham Council said: “We can confirm there was an incident regarding a fallen branch at Clifton Park where an individual was taken to hospital.

“Our officers are currently carrying out investigations and are in contact with person who sustained the injuries.”