JOHN Arrowsmith is searching for his Good Samaritan.
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On May 19, the Central Coast man was travelling home with his parents after visiting family at Binnaway.
When the trio reached Denman, their car hit an oil patch and slid off the road.
”It wasn’t raining but it was that drizzle,” Mr Arrowsmith said.
“We flipped and hit a tree – we’re very, very lucky to be alive.”
While they were in the car, shocked and unsure what to do next, a friendly man, known only to them as retired pastor Derek, appeared and set them free from the vehicle.
“He was the first on site that actually stopped,” Mr Arrowsmith said.
“When we had the accident he was the one who opened the door.
“He risked his life which was pretty amazing.
“You could smell fuel and the car was smoking.
“He came back that night [to the hospital] to see if we were okay.”
Mr Arrowsmith said he was so relieved to see their selfless helper at the door, and was now hoping to find him to thank the man formally.
“We didn’t even know if anyone had seen us flying off the road,” he said.
“It was an amazing feeling to have the door open.
“He didn’t leave our side the whole time.
“We would love to get in contact and say ‘thank you’.”
Following Derek’s immediate assistance, about 10 additional people stepped in to help, which was also much appreciated by the family.
“We had a lot of people stop,” Mr Arrowsmith said.
“They brought blankets and jackets and covered us with them until the ambulance arrived.
“There was an off-duty [paramedic] who bandaged us up.
“It restored our faith in humanity – all these people stopped and risked their lives.
“I just want to thank everybody who stopped.
“And, the ambulance service, the police, even John Hunter [hospital] – they were all amazing, you couldn’t fault them.
“They really don’t get enough credit for what they do every single day.”
Mr Arrowsmith’s parents were airlifted to John Hunter Hospital with small neck and back fractures.
“I’ve got a broken shoulder; I’m out for the next six months and hoping to start rehab soon,” he said.
Anyone who thinks they may know Derek is asked to contact betina.hughes@fairfaxmedia.com.au