Yesterday lunchtime, my daughter phoned me, but it wasn’t her who spoke when I answered the call.

Instead it was a member of the public, who, with his daughter, had been taking it in turns to hold my daughter’s head, keeping her company whilst they waited for the emergency services, and later, whilst she was being cut out of the car.

We made it to the hospital before she did. Probably the worst moment of my life, waiting and not knowing, not wanting to imagine the possibilities.

A near head-on collision at 40mph. Everyone said she was incredibly lucky. We thought so, she didn’t want to entertain the thought, and still doesn’t want to think about it. Broken bones and a small operation tomorrow. She’ll be ok, physically anyway.

I can only hope to be able to repay the kindness to someone else’s loved one, of being there when they are alone and afraid. In the meantime, I’ve been in touch with him and he was equally relieved to hear how she is, looking forward to speaking to her when she feels up to it.

Puts it all into perspective.