A woman who suffered "excruciating" injuries when an awning came crashing down on top of her is looking for the "guardian angel" who came to her aid.

Rhonda Hardman was outside Costa Coffee in Gillingham when part of the building hit her in a freak incident.

The 66-year-old retiree had been at the branch in the High Street after popping in with her sister Corrine Hollinsworth.

She said: "My sister came round with the two coffees, I didn't even get to sit down."

Staff from the cafe came outside to help Rhonda, but she says it was a passer-by who took the lead.

The Allhallows resident said: "She said, 'it's alright, I'm a first aider' and cleaned my head."

Rhonda was taken to Medway Maritime Hospital after the incident at about 1.45pm on December 6.

She was diagnosed with a fractured sternum and given pain medication.

She said: "I didn't even realise it hit my chest.

"At the time, it was just the head injury that people noticed; it wasn't until I got to the hospital they realised.

"I was in Resus for five or six hours because I could barely breathe.

"It is exceptionally painful, I wouldn't wish it upon anyone."

Rhonda is now looking to say thank you to the stranger who helped her.

"I was in Resus for five or six hours because I could barely breathe... it is exceptionally painful, I wouldn't wish it upon anyone" - Rhonda Hardman

She was given the lady's name, Victoria Broad, and her phone number but has tried to contact her since and not been able to get in touch.

Rhonda added: "I just wanted to contact her since she was doing all the dealings.

"She was like my little guardian angel."

Medway Council is carrying out a health and safety inquiry following the incident.

Costa has not responded to KentOnline's requests for comment.

• Are you Victoria Broad or do you know her? Get in touch with us at medway@thekmgroup.co.uk

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