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Rochester spike victim calls for danger to be removed

Yvonne Baker who impaled herself on a metal spike
Yvonne Baker who impaled herself on a metal spike

It's quite a souvenir from a night out, but Yvonne Baker will be remembering her evening in Rochester for the wrong reasons.

For these lethal-looking spikes were what the 30-year-old fell on when she tripped on cobbles.

The Borstal Street resident has spoken for the first time about her ordeal, which resulted in her being impaled by the ancient Jasper’s Gate in the High Street near Rochester Cathedral.

She has thanked those who went to her aid, including Riccardo Ragazzo, a chef from nearby restaurant Don Vincenzo.

Ms Baker, 30, was out with friends when she fell onto the 4in spikes with one going through her arm.

Emergency services in High Street, Rochester. Picture: Kent_999s on Twitter
Emergency services in High Street, Rochester. Picture: Kent_999s on Twitter

Firefighters cut her free and she was taken to hospital by South East Coast Ambulance Service with the length of metal still embedded in her arm.

"I want it removed before it happens to someone else" - Yvonne Baker

Now Ms Baker, who said the incident was a “blur”, is out of hospital and is calling for the remaining fence to be removed before someone is seriously injured or killed.

She said: “When I first saw it I couldn’t believe how sharp it was. I have lived in Rochester for eight years and had no idea they were there. What would happen if a child falls on it or an elderly person tripped? Someone could die.”

Ms Baker, a construction site manager, added: “Doing what I do for a living with risk assessment and health and safety, I’m surprised they are still there.

“More than anything, I want it removed before it happens to someone else.”

It is thought the metal fences were put in the archway, which dates back to the 15th century, to stop traffic.

The remaining metal spike fence, similar to one Yvonne was impaled on
The remaining metal spike fence, similar to one Yvonne was impaled on

Ms Baker, who kept the spike as a reminder of the incident, said: “I wanted to keep it just for the pure fact I look at it and think that could have been my life.

"It was a freak accident. If I had fallen anywhere else, just steps away, all I would only be dealing with is a sore bum. I’m so grateful to everyone who helped me.”

Ms Baker has no feeling in her hand, but doctors hope it will return in time.

She said: “My biggest fear is that I won’t get the feeling back in my hand. That is scary.”

A spokesman from Rochester Cathedral said: “The Dean and Chapter of Rochester are very sorry indeed to hear of this unfortunate accident and wish a speedy recovery to the young lady involved.

"We are undertaking a full investigation and will take all appropriate steps in line with the advice we receive.”

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