LORRAINE Large has strolled along the coastal walking track near her Jan Juc home countless times over the years.
\nBut, as fate would have it, she was on her regular walk in May of this year when she sidestepped on the narrow path to let a cyclist through and landed awkwardly on her foot, breaking her ankle.
\nIn pain and uncertain how much damage was done, she slowly limped to the Jan Juc General Store about 300 metres away.
\nThe kindness and care she received from that point on has prompted Lorraine to share her story in a bid to acknowledge those who came to her aid.
\nNumber one on that list is professional firefighter and Jan Juc resident Jo Ambrosio.
\nJo was out walking her dogs when she popped her head into the store and saw that Lorraine\u2019s ankle was not in a good way.
\n\u201cIt was very much good luck for me that she was there,\u201d Lorraine said of her rescuer.
\n\u201cShe instantly recognised that something was wrong and that I needed help.
\n\u201cShe said, \u2018I\u2019m a firey, I won\u2019t kidnap you. I\u2019ll take you home.\u201d
\nLorraine was full of praise for how Jo handled the situation, especially given social distancing restrictions.
\nShe drove her home, advised on first aid and returned with bandages to strap the badly swollen ankle before Lorraine took a trip to the Epworth Hospital.
\nThe pair reunited this week so that Lorraine could say a proper thank you in person.
\nJo was quick to share the praise, saying Tameka and Jin from the General Store also played their part in taking care of the injured patient.
\n\u201cTameka was the one who initially helped Lorraine by offering her a seat while she tried to call her husband who, like most men, didn\u2019t answer the phone,\u201d she said, with a laugh.
\nIronically, Jo has since been involved in helping another woman who also broke an ankle while on a beach walk.
\n\u201cI just happened to be in the right spot at the right time,\u201d Jo said humbly, shrugging off any suggestion of heroics.
\n\u201cYou just hope someone would help you in
\nthat situation.
\n\u201cGiven the current environment it is amazing how the community here has come together.
\n\u201cI would just say to people please don\u2019t be afraid because of COVID to reach out and help people.
\n\u201cWe all need a helping hand every now
\nand then.\u201d
\nAs for Lorraine, she is extremely grateful and looking forward to getting back to her favourite walking spot now her moon boot is off.
\n\u201cWe moved here in 1964 and I couldn\u2019t even count how many times I\u2019ve done that walk since,\u201d she said. \u201cI know it so well and I love it.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
LORRAINE Large has strolled along the coastal walking track near her Jan Juc home countless times over the years. But, as fate would have it, she was on her regular walk in May of this year when she sidestepped on the narrow path to let a cyclist through and landed awkwardly on her foot, breaking […]<\/p>\n