Beaconsfield accident victim family tribute

Jul 1 2009 By Polly Manser

Police

THE FAMILY of a 92 year old woman killed in a tragic accident in Beaconsfield have paid tribute to her.

Milicent Gilham had been given a lift by a family member to London Road. But after she got out, the Green Honda she had been travelling in lurched forward knocking her over and trapping her underneath the wheels, just after 3pm on Thursday.

She was airlifted to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford but died shortly afterwards.

Affectionately known as Peggy, she had moved with her husband to St Mary's Court retirement home in the Old Town just five weeks ago from Kent to be closer to the couple's family who live in Beaconsfield.A statement issued by the family reads. "A wonderful caring wife, mother and grandmother who meant the world to us, Peggy was dearly loved and will be missed by all."

Andrew Williams, salon manager at Mulberrys on London End, was one of four people who rushed to lift the car off her.

He said: "One of my colleagues was in the staff room, he came rushing down saying there's been an accident. She was under two wheels of the car, semi-conscious. We lifted the car off and somebody came with a jack and jacked it up. A couple of people looked after her while the fire brigade and ambulance came. It felt like a long wait but I think it was only about five minutes."

Another office worker, who asked not to be named, said he called the ambulance after he heard the driver of the car shouting for help.

Sgt Michelle Ryan, from Amersham Roads Policing said: "The investigation into the circumstances of the incident is still ongoing and I would appeal for anyone who was in London Road and saw the collision to contact me."

Two fire engines attended. They gave oxygen to a man. The roads were closed for around three hours.

Sgt Ryan can be contacted via the 24-hour non-emergency number, 0845 8 505 505. If you do not want to speak to police or leave your name, contact the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.