The iconic 1980s hit by Journey, Don’t Stop Believin’, has always held significant meaning for Vanessa Partington.

Its meaning has, however, changed since it was the last song she heard on July 28 in the moments before being struck by a falling tree branch in Wilge Road, Farrarmere.

Enjoying a routine afternoon stroll along the lapping banks of Homestead Dam, Vanessa describes this 5km loop as ‘her time’.

“The dam has such a calming effect. During my walks, I watch as families play, canoes glide across the water, and happy dogs enjoy their afternoon walkies.

“Last week was the same. I was listening to music and enjoying the scenery. One minute I was walking and the next I was flat on my back on the road, blood streaming from my head and searing pain exploding through my body.

“I thought I was hit by a car. Then I saw a huge tree branch lying next to me.”

CCTV footage captured from the home where the tree stood on the sidewalk showed how the branch dislodged from the stump, crashing to the ground just as Vanessa passed under it.

Confused, Vanessa started calling for help as visitors at Homestead Dam rushed to her aid.

Explaining the moments that followed, Vanessa’s eyes filled with tears, a smile calming her emotions.

“Just before the incident, I passed an ambulance and a CMS patrol vehicle. When members of the community approached to assist, I remember one saying to call an ambulance,” she said.

“I told them that there was one just up the road and a man ran to fetch them. CMS was also quick to contact my husband, Stanley.

“Within seconds, paramedics surrounded me.

“The probability of being struck by a falling branch is zero to none; however, God’s hand in the entire situation was perfect.

“I believe the ambulance, community members and security were all divinely placed to help me.”

Undergoing emergency care at Life The Glynnwood Hospital, it was established that Vanessa had suffered a severe concussion, a fractured vertebra and an abdominal hematoma, none of which require surgical intervention.

Recovering in her Cloudy Street home, with Stanley doting over his precious wife, Vanessa said she is grateful to be alive, with bruising and discomfort being her only concern.

“On the day I was wearing a T-shirt under a jacket. The branch penetrated both layers, leaving only slight scratches on my chest,” she said, biting back tears.

“It shows the sheer force with which the branch struck me, yet here I am alive and able to tell the story.”

With her wicked sense of humour perfectly intact, the vibrant blonde joked that God knocked some sense into her before promoting her to ‘branch manager.’

“There is definitely a lesson to be learnt from the ordeal and I am using it as a testimony to God’s endless grace,” she said.

Of her recovery, the avid Pilates participant said she has been advised to rest for 12 weeks before engaging in strenuous exercise.

“The irony is that I may start taking walks as soon as I feel more comfortable.

“However, I think I will walk in the middle of Wilge Road, just to err on the side of caution,” she said with a laugh.

Holding his wife’s hand, Stanley and Vanessa extended a heartfelt thanks to everyone who assisted.

“We moved from Bardene to Farrarmere 18 months ago. We were drawn here due to the strong community spirit that runs through the city,” they said.

“I was on the receiving end of this unique act of community care. The compassion with which I was met made me feel valued, and I am eternally grateful to every person who set aside what they were doing to help me.

“Words will never be enough, and your assistance will never be forgotten.”

The tree from which the stump broke was reportedly dead for more than six years and was partially trimmed back.

Evidence indicated that it was riddled with termites.

The remainder of the tree and the fallen branch have since been completely removed.

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