The Liphook community has rallied around a selfless villager who has supported countless local families, after she and her husband were hit by a car while walking through The Square last Friday.

An appeal has been launched to raise funds for Gerry Sole, who runs the Liphook Clothing Bank, and her husband Maurice Smith after they were both seriously injured in the collision at around 11pm on May 19.

Gerry has undergone an operation to repair a badly-damaged knee and also suffered a broken nose and cuts, while Maurice suffered a broken leg, arm and nose, as well as cuts.

An air ambulance landed on Liphook Recreation Ground, but the couple were taken by road to Southampton General Hospital. Both are now facing lengthy recovery periods.

After news of the crash began to spread through the village, friend Karen Bawden quickly launched a GoFundMe fundraising webpage, and raised more than £600 in just three days.

Karen said: “The sad news that Gerry and her new husband Maurice have been involved in an accident has saddened many people in our lovely community. They have sustained many injuries and are awaiting surgery with prolonged recovery. 

“Gerry volunteers and works tirelessly for our Liphook community to provide clothing and equipment for families in need and also provides an excellent way of recycling, stopping landfill bulk and enabling many, many families to cut back on buying new.

“Any donations we could collect for the newlyweds would be received gratefully please. I think we can all agree Gerry is deserving of a little financial treat!”

Responding to the well-wishers, Gerry confirmed she and Maurice were recovering at Southampton General Hospital, and thanked everyone for their “lovely messages”. 

She said the crash and her subsequent stay in hospital was “like a bad dream” but added she is “trying to keep laughing”.

Donate to the online GoFundMe appeal in aid of Gerry and Maurice here.

Hampshire Constabulary has been approached for a statement.