Birmingham’s jacket potato lady left seriously injured in Olton collision

A well known Birmingham food seller has been left in a critical condition after a road collision in Olton.

Known for serving hungry workers jacket potatoes near The House of Fraser, Lesley Walton was in collision with a car on Warwick Road on Saturday 3rd February.

Today her daughter made a desperate plea for donations – because she lives more than 1,000 miles away.

The 51-year-old had been walking from work at a bed and breakfast on Warwick Road when she was struck by a Mercedes around 2.30pm.

She was severely injured in the collision and remains in hospital in a serious condition.

Daughter Lauren flew back from her home in Iceland as soon she heard of the collision, but she was unable to stay at her mum’s bedside due to having bills to pay in Reykjavík.

In hopes of raising enough money to return to Birmingham and visit her mum, Lauren has launched a crowdfunder campaign for people to donate to her cause.

On the description she wrote: “On Saturday 3rd February 2018 my mom was hit by a car.

“Her injuries were severe and she remains in critical care in Birmingham, UK.

“When I heard the news I was at home, over 1000 miles away from her in Reykjavík, Iceland.

“I came with my partner the next morning and we will stay as long as we can, but unfortunately I can’t stay for her whole recovery which will take months.

“I have to return to Iceland to work and pay my bills but I would like to come back to see my mom every few weeks, and I will need help financially to do that.

“The money will be used to pay for travel expenses for my partner and myself to visit her, and any money left over will be given to my mom when she leaves hospital as she’s unlikely to return to her previous work as a cleaner with the injuries she’s sustained.

“Thanks for any help you can provide. Lauren and Biggi.”

Lauren added that any money not used for flights to Birmingham and back will be donated to her mum.

The donations page has already seen £1,000 donated of a £5,000 target and many supporters have sent their thoughts to her ‘lovely mum’.

She explained how her mum was well-liked by the customers at the potato stand behind House of Fraser in Birmingham city centre.

Lauren said: “She was very popular with the customers at the potato stand where she worked during the week. We have a good relationship with the owners of the stand who have been wonderfully supportive through this.”

Lauren had made the decision to move from Birmingham to Iceland last year after falling in love with the country on a trip with her mum.

She explained: “I did some volunteer work last summer and while volunteering I met my boyfriend and decided to stay in Iceland.”

West Midlands Police confirmed they were investigating and urged any witnesses to come forward.

A statement from the police said: “The 51-year-old pedestrian was hit by a Mercedes in Warwick Road at around 2.30pm last Saturday (3rd February).

“She suffered head injuries and remains in a serious but stable condition in hospital.

“The driver of the car – who stopped at the scene and contacted emergency services – is assisting police with their enquiries.”

Sergeant Alan Wood, from the West Midlands Police collision investigation unit, added: “This investigation is in its early stages and we are working to establish the full circumstances of what happened.

“We are particularly keen to trace witnesses or anyone with dash cam footage that could assist us to find the answers.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the collision investigation unit.

To donate to Lauren’s crowdfunder campaign, go to: http://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/visiting-mom-in-hospital/

Read more: https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/birminghams-jacket-potato-lady-left-14338975