A Paisley mum, Leesa Mckay, has been left terrified to leave her home after a pothole caused her wheelchair to tip over, resulting in catastrophic injuries. Leesa, who is a bilateral amputee, was crossing the road at East Lane in Paisley on a rainy day in November when her wheelchair hit a pothole filled with water. The impact flung her from the chair onto the road, causing severe injuries to her right stump. Leesa, who had both legs amputated earlier in the year due to cardiovascular disease, suffered multiple fractures and was hospitalized for several days.
Recalling the harrowing incident, Leesa described the pain and shock she experienced, highlighting the speed at which the accident occurred. Members of the public and customers from a nearby pub came to her aid, calling an ambulance and providing comfort to her and her daughter, who was with her at the time. The accident has not only caused physical injuries but has also delayed her fitting of prosthetic legs by several months, adding to the challenges she has already faced this year.
Leesa is now calling for Renfrewshire Council to prioritize repairing potholes near dropped kerbs, especially in areas where wheelchair users and individuals with walking aids must cross. She expressed feeling traumatised and vulnerable, emphasising the difficulties faced by people with disabilities when navigating poorly maintained pavements and roads. Despite the ordeal, Leesa expressed gratitude towards the kind-hearted individuals who came to her aid and provided support during the distressing situation.
In response, a spokesperson for Renfrewshire Council expressed regret over the incident and offered well wishes for Leesa’s speedy recovery. The council stated that they were not previously informed of the pothole or flooding at the location but assured that inspections would be carried out promptly with repairs to follow. The council highlighted ongoing efforts to maintain road infrastructure and address issues of flooding, encouraging the public to report any concerns for timely resolution.
Leesa’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in navigating public spaces and the importance of ensuring safe and accessible infrastructure. The incident not only sheds light on the physical dangers posed by poorly maintained roads but also underscores the need for greater awareness and support for vulnerable members of the community. The kindness and assistance shown by bystanders in Leesa’s time of need exemplify the positive impact of community solidarity and empathy in times of crisis.