Police day out for boy who lost arm in washing machine accident

Sean Morris | November 4, 2011 | 0 Comments

Lewis Lightfoot with mum, Rachel Roberts, and staff from Chesire Police HQ. Picture by Niall Meakin.

By Sean Morris & Rebecca Duffet: A three-year-old boy from Crewe who lost his left arm in a horrific washing machine accident, met the Cheshire Police team who handled the emergency call.

Officers from Cheshire Police HQ in Winsford presented Lewis Lightfoot and his mum, Rachel Roberts, with £759 they had raised in his honour.

They also enjoyed a tour of the building and met up with the call handlers and officers who dealt with the alarm.

The accident happened when a washing machine took his arm off while he was helping his mum at their house in Haslmere Way, Crewe.

Rachel said: “I’m really grateful that people think to give money to Lewis.

“Everyone’s been very supportive, especially the public. We did a bungee jump a couple of weeks ago and lots of people turned up.”

One of her main goals was to illustrate the danger of home appliances to young children.

“They are dangerous machines. really. People just think they’re there to wash clothes but it almost took my son’s life,” said Rachel.

She admits things have not been easy, with Lewis suffering flashbacks and having to relearn how to do things but says he’s “coping really well”.

“I’m worried about how he’ll adapt to life when he’s older because obviously kids can be a bit picky and I’m worried about people saying things to him.

“However, I think he’s dealing it better than I am, so I’m sure he’ll be able to handle himself in the future.”

Lewis will soon be fitted with a cosmetic arm, which they hope will be replaced with a fully functioning prosthetic arm that will be strapped to his back.

It will be operated by his other arm and his back movements, allowing him the ability to do things such as grasping items.

Emma Prescott, communications officer for Cheshire Police HQ, said: “When the call came through 999 it was clear she was very stressed.

“I’m a mum myself, I have two boys of my own. Still I can’t imagine what she’s been through.

“I think she’s great though and it seems Lewis is going from strength to strength.”

Police HQ usually raises money for charities rather than individuals. However, the team felt it was a “special exception”.

“We’ve had a lot of things round the office to raise money such as dress down days and one of the officers even donated a big red dog for Lewis.

“There is a fear that people with less money may have to use reconditioned machines,” she added.

“And that with faulty or worn safety devices things like this could happen again.”

Sgt Andy Collier, of Crewe Neighbourhood Policing Unit, said: “It′s fantastic what Emma, Call Management and everyone at Cheshire Police HQ have done.

“They are all looking forward to seeing Lewis and wish him and his family well for the future.”

Click below to see Rebecca Duffet’s video of Lewis’ visit: