"What have YOU done today to make you feel proud?" Heather Small (2000)
"What have YOU done today to make you feel proud?" Heather Small (2000) |
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4th March 2002 |
by Carol Penrose Laughter, lots of smiles, positive attitude which says nothing is impossible - all these words describe Steve and Jackie Tarrant. These two British marshals have taken KMA by storm and have left us humbled and admiring in the face of the terrible adjustment to their lifestyle they have had to contend with over the past 10 months. their story goes something like this:- After being involved in British karting for many years, progressing to Steve being Clerk of Course and Jackie being Chief Marshal, they broke into circuit marshalling two years ago. Within the year, they had applied to marshal the 1999 ISRS event at Kyalami, and were accepted. No sooner here, they promptly joined KMA. They made Turn 9 their home and enthusiastically joined in with the crew. KMA took them to their hearts, with Steve protesting feebly that he was wanting to buy us the Castles - not the other way round!!! Back they went to England, arms full of regalia and souvenirs of their trip to our hallowed circuit. Then, on 22 June I received an email from Steve - crowing about the fact that, while we were marshalling MRAC on the 24th, he had been chosen to officiate at the finish line at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Was I envious! But on the Sunday we heard the tragic news that Steve had been critically injured when a historic Lotus F1 car, originally driven by Mario Andretti, had crashed into the straw bales and finish line gantry. The driver died, as did a fellow marshal. Steve survived, but with horrible injuries. His right leg was taken off at the calf during the accident, and was eventually amputated above the knee. The other leg had severe damage, but was saved. Those are the basics. Steve cheated death four times during his hospitalisation, and went through pain and discomfort that cannot be described. Yet he bounced back, determined to carry on marshalling - while others shook their heads in denial of such a dream. The dream has happened. Steve has quite a way to go before his full strength returns, yet just 9 months and 4 days after that horrific accident he and Jackie boarded a plane at Heathrow and flew out to South Africa to take part in Round 2 of the World Superbike Championship - marshalling on Turn 9. When one speaks to Steve and Jackie, together or separately, not one word of accusation or negative thoughts crosses their lips. The smiles are genuine, and the light of life shines in their eyes. Jackie was not with Steve when the accident happened - she had left the post no long when she heard that something had happened at the finish line. After persuading security, she managed to get back to the scene, only to find Steve was already on his way to hospital. When she eventually got to see Steve at the hospital, she said to him "I can't leave you alone for a few minutes!!!" Steve was able to sign consent forms for his initial leg operation, but Jackie had to sign for the emergency operation on his abdomen. Steve had also received bad internal injuries. Steve has accepted what happened. He has not asked the usual question of why did this happen to me? He believes there is no point to that question. It happened, he is adjusting his lifestyle, and he is optimistic. I heard of how Jackie found it hard to believe this had happened to Steve, but once the initial shock wore off she insisted on not getting in the way of the doctors and nurses - but rather rolled her sleeves up to help. She learned and saw things that would make the most strong-minded person cringe and feel ill. She stood by Steve throughout the ordeal, at first travelling about three hours each day just to be with Steve at the hospital. Both Steve and Jackie praise Lord March who opened up his London flat for Jackie so that she would be near Steve during the crucial time of recovery after the numerous operations. Steve is justly proud of the fact that Sir Stirling Moss visited him in hospital. Jackie soon had to return to work, and had moved back to Poole by this stage, but she was able to have one day off from work to go up to London and visit Steve. She would spend Saturday, Sunday and Monday with him, hurry back to work, and on Tuesday evenings would send out a weekly update on Steve's progress. These emails would reach the marshalling associations, family and friends around Britain, as well as marshals, family and friends in South Africa. During the Superbike weekend many of us chatted to Steve and Jackie. On Saturday evening, Ernie and Tony paid tribute to their downright tenacity, bravery, and determination which culminated in their trip to South Africa in April. They were awarded with the first two 2001 SBK bars to be ordered, and I know they will wear this latest edition to their collection of marshalling badges with pride. Well done and congratulations to Steve who, against all odds, has achieved a major goal in his life - with many more still to come. Well done to Jackie, who faced her husband's crippling injuries with a firm resolve. Not once did she think of the sacrifices she had to make - and will continue to make. She only saw Steve discomfort and pain, and resolved to make his fate easier. I think each of us can learn a valuable lesson in overcoming hardship with a positive attitude in "The Tarrant Story."
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