ON Tuesday, January 20, while in Ilkley, I had the misfortune to trip and fall full length over an uneven bit of pavement in Brook Street, sustaining a head injury. Within seconds two ladies by the names of Vicky and Betty came to my assistance and were shortly joined by an off-duty fireman. They called an ambulance and phoned my wife, who is disabled, to tell her that I would be going to A&E.

They were told not to get me up so I lay on the pavement bleeding profusely for some 45 minutes before the ambulance arrived. From somewhere they produced two coats and a blanket to keep me warm and stayed with me the whole time giving support, encouragement and comfort until first a responder arrived and then the ambulance. Vicky played a key role but they were all exceedingly kind and helpful.

I do not know their names, other than the two ladies, Vicky and Betty, but through your columns I would like to say a big, sincere and heartfelt ‘thank you’ to them all for all they did. Also to the policeman who visited my wife to ensure that she was all right and to get further help if she needed it. And finally, to Glovers Garage who collected my car from the car park and saw that it was safely delivered to my home.

To receive such help and caring from strangers is a great boost to one’s faith in humanity when one sees so much of the opposite in the world today.

Noel Cobb

Addingham