'Stevie wept as he held the lad's hand..' GERRARD CRASH SHOCK
By Paul Byrne
Paul.Byrne@Mirror.Co.Uk 02/10/2007
Steven Gerrard was visibly distraught yesterday as he comforted a boy of 10 who ran into the side of his car.
As soon as he realised what had happened, the England star pulled up in his £175,000 Bentley Continental Convertible and rushed to help injured Jamie Hellawell.
One passer-by said: "He was clearly shocked. He was in tears as he crouched on the ground chatting to the lad until an ambulance arrived."
Another witness said: "He was very good with the boy. He was kneeling beside him and holding his hand throughout. He must have been there for about 15 minutes."
AdvertisementJamie's leg was broken in two places. Last night Liverpool skipper Gerrard, 27, revealed he had been in contact with the boy's family.
He also plans to visit him in Alder Hey Children's Hospital, Liverpool.
Gerrard is believed to have hit Man Utd fan Jamie as he drove to the home of a friend in Birkdale, Merseyside.
Residents said it appeared the youngster ran out into the side of the Bentley as Gerrard slowed to turn left into a cul-de-sac.
The soccer legend immediately leapt from the driver's seat to help Jamie, who had been thrown to the ground.
Quick response paramedics gave the boy morphine to ease his agony until the ambulance arrived.
Jamie's grandfather Reg Rogan, 66, found him injured as he went to nearby Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic primary school to collect two of the youngster's cousins.
He said: "Steven was shocked and obviously very concerned.
"He held Jamie's hand and knelt down with him for quite a considerable time." A witness said: "Though I couldn't hear what Steven was saying, he was clearly comforting the boy.
"Before he drove off, my small son asked for his autograph. Steven took the time to speak to him even though he was so upset.
"He told him 'OK, but get out of the road'. He was obviously worried about his safety."
A woman who lives close to the accident scene added: "It certainly wasn't Steven's fault."
Jamie's mother Helen, 33, joined her son in the ambulance as he was taken to hospital. Family man Gerrard is married to Mirror columnist Alex Curran, 24. The couple have two daughters Lily-Ella, three, and one-year-old Lexie.
Gerrard's spokesman said: "Steven was driving very slowly when a young boy ran out and hit the side of his car.
"Steven comforted the boy until the paramedics arrived.
"He later attended a police station where he produced his driving documents and made a statement.
"He is distressed over the accident and has been in contact with boy's family to check his progress." Police confirmed they were investigating.
GEE, STEVIE
He joined the Reds as a schoolboy in 1987
In 2006 he was awarded an MBE
England debut was in 2000
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