Mayoress in holiday fall

The Mayor, Cllr Derek Heffernan and Mayoress of Oldham in a ward at Royal Oldham Hospital. The Mayoress Di Heffernan broke her hip in Tenerife and now she is back home in Oldham.

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THE Mayoress of Oldham returned from a much-needed sunshine holiday ­- by air ambulance after a devastating fall.

But sitting up in a hospital bed, plucky 81-year-old Di Heffernan vowed: "I'm raring to get back on my feet again and get on with the job."

Injuries

Mrs Heffernan's ordeal began just a month after her husband, Derek (77), the town's mayor, suffered a broken collarbone and other injuries after falling in an Austerlands street.

He received cuts and bruising to his face, head, arm and legs and currently has his arm in a sling and crutches to help him walk.

The couple had flown to Tenerife in the Canary Islands for a relaxing seven-day hotel holiday as a break from a series of marathon mayoral duties and to help Derek recoup after his fall.

They booked a hotel at Punta del Rey, just eight miles from the island's vibrant capital, Santa Cruz.

However, just two days into their stay, Di slipped on the laminated floor of their bedroom on her way to the bathroom in the early hours and fell, breaking her left hip.

An emergency medical team, backed by concerned hotel staff, rushed to the scene and she was taken to a local hospital where she underwent an six-hour operation to fit a metal pin to secure the hip.

But the gruelling operation and her ensuing recovery period meant the couple's stay was extended to 15 days until the medical team deemed it fit for her to return home.

She flew back with Derek by air ambulance from Tenerife on Sunday and was taken directly to the Royal Oldham Hospital by ambulance.

Today a medical team are accessing the situation before deciding on the next move.

Speaking exclusively to the Chronicle, she said: "It's a great relief to be here. The air ambulance crew and Royal Oldham Hospital staff are absolutely wonderful. I've got nothing but praise for the NHS."

Comforted by her husband and constant companion of 48 years, she said: "My one big sorrow is that they had to cut through and remove my wedding ring before the operation . . . but we've got it safe.

"However, we've had marvellous support from our son, Andy and his fiancée, Anuaska, and our daughter Sarah. They have been wonderful."

Since they became the town's mayor and mayoress, the Heffernans have been praised across the community for the dedication and zeal they have applied to their heavy list of engagements and appointments.

Di said: "We are both absolutely loving every minute of our roles. It has been a long wait but we totally love the job.

"I'm still in a lot of pain with my injury but I want to join Derek again as soon as I can."

Derek said: "We both just want get on with the job."

After his fall, and despite his injuries, Derek met Prince Andrew and young business people for a reception linked to the new Yorkshire Street digital business hub. He dispensed of the sling for the royal visit.

And this week he is tackling a series of high-profile engagements including a GMP carol service tonight.

The Heffernans' son, Andy (44) said: "They are just the kind of people who delight in filling their obligations. They have worked so hard for everyone this year."