A GRATEFUL mum is today thanking a group of good Samaritans who showed the best of Christmas spirit, rushing to her aid as she lay injured in a park.

Following their festive feast, Audrey Ludwig, her husband and ten-year-old son set off from their Constable Road home for a stroll around Christchurch Park.

But with torrential downpours throughout the morning, by 3pm the ground was left muddy.

Disaster struck when the 47-year-old slipped leaving her in agony.

“I couldn’t walk,” she said. “There was a group of people nearby and the gentlemen of the group realised I was in trouble. One of them told me he had police medical training.

“They carried me over to the tennis courts where paramedics were able to meet us.”

Mrs Ludwig was taken to Ipswich Hospital where scans revealed she had broken her ankle.

After an operation to set her ankle, she was allowed back home on Friday afternoon.

Putting her feet up and recuperating, Mrs Ludwig said she wanted to thank those who rushed to her aid.

“I don’t know who they were but I want to say thank you.

“They showed real Christmas spirit. It was very kind of them.”

She added: “I also want to thank all the staff at Ipswich Hospital and the paramedics.

“Everyone has been fantastic. You hear stories about long waits in A&E but I had no problems at all, it was great.

“All the staff have been wonderful.”