A BIN crew in Hyde have been praised for their quick thinking and kindness after rushing to help an elderly woman who had fallen at home.
Jaki Jones was visiting her parents, 93-year-old Harry and 92-year-old Maureen, at their home in Newton when her mum collapsed.
“Mum has recently come home from hospital after suffering a stroke and is very frail,” said Jaki.
“Dad is also recovering from a recent heart attack and we weren’t strong enough to get her up off the floor on our own and desperately needed some help.
“I ran out into the street and saw the bin men and asked if they could come and help us.”
Without hesitation, bin crew driver Kane Dillon and colleagues Scott Bail and Chris Bell followed Jaki into the house and helped lift her mum safely from the floor.
“They came to assist without any hesitation,” Jaki explained. “They were beautiful with my mum and one of them even said to me afterwards that he really hoped that my mum would be alright, which really touched me.
“What they did was amazing – it may seem like only a small thing but it made all the difference to us as a family. It meant we were able to help mum straight away and didn’t have to call an ambulance.
“Mum is doing okay now thanks to their help. They were lovely, lovely men and I will never forget their kindness. They were adorable and showed real community spirit.”
She added that her parents, who have been married for 71 years and have lived in the same house since 1972, were comforted to know they live in such a caring community.
“Mum and dad have been married for 71 years and have lived in that house since 1972 – it’s really good to know they live in a place where people still care about others. I’m proud to be from Tameside.”
Local councillor Laura Boyle, Executive Member for Environmental Services and Neighbourhoods, praised the crew’s compassion.
“This is really heartwarming to hear and shows that we’re all part of a very caring and close-knit community in Tameside,” she said.
“I’m so glad the crew were there at the right place at the right time to help and I’m really grateful to them for their caring actions.
“Thank you also to Jaki for sharing her thanks with them – our bin crews are really hard working, as well as community minded, and this positive recognition is well deserved. Finally, my best wishes to Maureen and Harry, they sound like a wonderful couple and I hope they are both doing okay.”
The council have said that Harry and Maureen are now in touch with its Community Response Service, which provides 24/7 telecare and emergency support to help older adults live safely and independently at home.