Pensioner’s thanks to snow rescuers

Dec 23 2010 by Debbie Hall, West Lothian Courier

THE FAMILY of a pensioner who suffered a heart attack have thanked the kindhearted rescuers who made sure he got to hospital.

Joe Smith (70) had come to the aid of another motorist trapped in the snow on December 6 and was digging her out when he took ill and collapsed before he could make it home.

An ambulance was called for Joe but it got stuck in snow and couldn’t get near the house he shares with wife Dot in Jubilee Avenue, Deans.

But neighbours and a passer-by saw what was happening and helped make sure Joe got to hospital for treatment.

Thanks to them, Joe is on the mend and back home recovering with his family.

His son-in-law, Joe Turnbull, praised everyone who had been involved and said he wanted them to know their help was appreciated.

He explained: “Joe had been out in the car doing his part-time job as a chauffeur – he takes kids to their schools in Linlithgow – when he got caught up in the snow.

“He was helping to dig out a stranded female motorist when he started feeling unwell. He managed to get back to Deans but then collapsed in the street.

“Due to the horrendous weather conditions the ambulance that was sent for him became stuck at the opening of the street and neighbours and passers-by helped not only to dig the ambulance out, but also dug a path right to the door of the house.

“A very kindhearted gentleman then transferred Joe to the ambulance in his 4x4.”

Joe said while the family know some of the neighbours who helped, complete strangers also pitched in.

He continued: “We would like to say a huge thank-you to the wonderful group of people who helped out.

“Joe is a true gentleman. An army of people from Jubilee Avenue had helped out and he is most grateful.

“We do not know who all of these lovely people were but we would like to thank them for their efforts and let them know that Joe is recovering well at home.

“He is very touched by the kindness extended to him and also for all the kind wishes that have been sent to him from his neighbours.”